Tuesday preview: AB Foods results, RBA policy announcement in focus

(Sharecast News) - On Tuesday, Primark owner Associated British Foods will release full-year results, while TP Icap, Hiscox and IWG will put out third-quarter trading updates. AJ Bell analysts Russ Mould, Danni Hewson and Dan Coatsworth said Primark owner AB Foods will be hoping its decision to offer home delivery will boost the fashion chain's subdued performance before its planned spin-off in 2027.

"Home delivery could remove one of Primark's biggest barriers to growth, but convenience comes at a cost," they said. "The test is whether Primark can add online sales without sacrificing the low prices and store economics that made the brand successful.

"With full-year numbers largely in the rear-view mirror, the focus shifts to whether resilience elsewhere in the conglomerate's portfolio will be sweet enough to offset expected deterioration in Sugar during 2027.

"In the first full-year presentation from finance chief Joana Edwards, investors will want to know if the balance sheet can support further shareholder returns beyond the £250 million target set for 2026."

Across the pond, AMD, Shopify and Pfizer are slated to report Q3 results.

Investors will also look out for the latest policy announcement from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

ING said: "We expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise its policy rate by 25bp to 4.85% on Tuesday rather than wait until

"December. Headline inflation rose by 90bp between July and September to 4.3% year-on-year. Fuel prices largely drove the increase, while goods, services, and core inflation also picked up. With underlying inflation not yet on a sustained downward path, the case for a pause remains limited."