FTSE 100 movers: WPP in the black; easyJet slides on Jet2 update

(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was up 0.4% at 9,213.55 in afternoon trade on Thursday. Advertising giant WPP was in the black as French peer Publicis rallied after chief executive Arthur Sadoun said at a Bank of America conference on Wednesday that he was confident about the second half of the year.

Next was among the risers after a well-received update from electricals retailer Currys lifted the retail segment more generally. Currys hailed a "strong" start to the year as it launched a £50m share buyback and reported a 3% jump in group sales in the 17 weeks to 30 August.

Like-for-like revenue in the UK & Ireland ticked up 3%. Currys said "robust" sales were driven by market share gains, with double-digit growth in new categories and B2B.

On the downside, budget airline easyJet was the biggest loser on the index after Jet2 warned that full-year underlying earnings were set to be towards the lower end of the consensus range and reduced its winter capacity.

In a statement ahead of its annual general meeting, the company said that since its last update on 9 July, the "closer to departure" booking trend has become more pronounced.

Insurer Admiral was also weaker as it traded without entitlement to the dividend.

Ladbrokes owner Entain was knocked lower by a downgrade to 'hold' from 'buy' at HSBC.