Geopolitical tensions keep markets volatile, while Avon and Bridgepoint jump, Pennon falls, and Likewise, Clarkson and Informa trend in ShareScope.
UK markets experienced a volatile week, with investor sentiment shifting in response to geopolitical tensions, movements in bond yields and changing expectations for interest rates.
Developments in the Middle East continued to influence oil prices, adding to inflation concerns and creating uncertainty across global markets. Meanwhile, comments and actions from policymakers, including Emmanuel Moulin at the Bank of France, contributed to movements in government bond yields.
As the week drew to a close, investors turned their attention to upcoming economic data releases and central bank communications, which could help determine the direction of markets in the days ahead.
Notable Moves Last Week
A selection of FTSE 350 risers and fallers, with accompanying company news.
Avon Technologies PLC ▲23.8%
Avon Technologies reported better-than-expected annual results, citing strong recent momentum and increased orders.
Both divisions, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, demonstrated healthy demand and order growth. The company expects to provide its 2027 guidance alongside its full-year results in November.
Bridgepoint Group PLC ▲21.2%
Bridgepoint raised its full-year earnings forecast following exceptional performance from its energy buyout fund.
The strong performance has led to higher income projections, an increase in expected future dividends and improved profitability guidance. The company also exceeded its fundraising targets ahead of schedule.
Pennon Group PLC ▼22.2%
Pennon announced enhanced investment plans aimed at improving operational performance, alongside a discounted rights issue and a reduction in its dividend.
Its strategic review highlighted the need to strengthen asset management and invest significantly in infrastructure resilience.
Trending Shares in ShareScope
The 10 most searched shares by ShareScope users last week.
| Rank | Company |
| 1 | Likewise Group PLC |
| 2 | Tesco PLC |
| 3 | Space Exploration Technologies Corp |
| 4 | Avon Technologies PLC |
| 5 | Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC |
| 6 | Clarkson PLC |
| 7 | Informa PLC |
| 8 | Quartix Technologies PLC |
| 9 | Ensilica PLC |
| 10 | CMC Markets PLC |
Several of the most searched companies featured prominently in the news last week. Here’s a closer look at three of them.
Likewise Group PLC
Likewise acquired assets from the administrators of Headlam Group PLC, strengthening its operational capacity through the addition of a distribution centre.
The company has also taken steps to manage Headlam’s inventory, aiming to support stability in the UK floor coverings market following Headlam’s financial difficulties.
Clarkson PLC
Clarkson upgraded its annual profit outlook following exceptional trading during August and September.
The maritime services group benefited from increased volatility across commodity and freight markets, while its broking and financial divisions performed ahead of expectations, supporting an already strong order book.
Informa PLC
Informa successfully raised funds to support its acquisition of Clarion Events, further strengthening its focus on business-to-business operations while separating its academic publishing business, Taylor & Francis.
The acquisition expands Informa’s portfolio of brands and international reach, supporting its longer-term growth strategy. The company has also paused its share buyback programme.
This Week’s Market Calendar
Here’s a look at the key company announcements, dividend dates, economic releases and potential new listings scheduled for the week commencing 12 October 2026.
Upcoming Company Results
Key company results expected in the week ahead.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
| Abingdon Health Limited | ABDX | Final |
| Aptamer Group plc | APTA | Final |
| Bellway plc | BWY | Final |
| YouGov Plc | YOU | Final |
Thursday 15 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
| Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc | SSIT | Final |
Upcoming Ex-Dividend Dates
Companies scheduled to trade ex-dividend this week.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Type | Payment Date | Amount | Yield |
| Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | BVA | Q2 | 15/10/26 | 37.00c | 4.0% |
Thursday 15 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Type | Payment Date | Amount | Yield |
| Artemis UK Future Leaders PLC | AFL | Advance | 20/11/26 | 3.85p | 4.0% |
| Coats Group PLC | COA | Q2 | 12/11/26 | 1.05¢ | 2.9% |
| Diageo PLC | DGE | Q4 | 03/12/26 | 30.00¢ | 2.3% |
| Foresight Ventures VCT PLC | FVEN | Q4 | 30/10/26 | 1.80p | 4.6% |
| Gateley (Holdings) PLC | GTLY | Q4 | 13/11/26 | 2.00p | 7.4% |
| Hays PLC | HAS | Q4 | 26/11/26 | 0.29p | 0.7% |
| Howden Joinery Group PLC | HWDN | Q2 | 20/11/26 | 5.10p | 2.9% |
| ITV PLC | ITV | Q2 | 24/11/26 | 1.70p | 7.5% |
| Invesco Bond Income Plus Ltd | BIPS | Advance | 17/11/26 | 3.06p | 7.3% |
| Maven Renovar VCT PLC | MRV | Advance | 13/11/26 | 3.50p | 4.7% |
| Montanaro UK Smaller Companies Inv Tr PLC | MTU | Advance | 13/11/26 | 1.79p | 5.7% |
| Next 15 Group PLC | NFG | Advance | 20/11/26 | 4.75p | 5.0% |
| Persimmon PLC | PSN | Q2 | 06/11/26 | 20.00p | 5.0% |
| Primary Health Properties PLC | PHP | Advance | 20/11/26 | 1.82p | 7.9% |
| Smiths Group PLC | SMIN | Q4 | 23/11/26 | 33.50p | 1.8% |
| Spirax Group PLC | SPX | Q2 | 13/11/26 | 50.40p | 2.3% |
| Steppe Cement Ltd | STCM | Q2 | 30/10/26 | 2.00p | 3.9% |
| TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Ltd | SMIF | Monthly | 30/10/26 | 0.92p | 8.4% |
Upcoming Economic Events
The major UK and US economic releases and central bank appearances scheduled for the coming week.
All times are British Summer Time (BST).
Monday 12 October 2026
- US: Columbus Day – financial market holiday
- 10:30: Bank of England Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden speaks
- 13:50: Bank of England MPC external member Catherine Mann speaks
- 19:00: US monthly budget statement
Tuesday 13 October 2026
- 00:01: UK BRC Retail Sales Monitor
- 04:00: Bank of England MPC member Megan Greene speaks
- 08:00: Worldpanel UK grocery market share data
- 13:55: US Redbook Index
- 15:00: US existing home sales
Wednesday 14 October 2026
- 07:00: Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill speaks
- 13:30: US Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- 19:00: Federal Reserve Beige Book
Thursday 15 October 2026
- 04:40: Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill speaks
- 07:00: UK GDP
- 07:00: UK trade balance
- 07:00: UK industrial production
- 07:00: UK manufacturing production
- 08:50: Bank of England Executive Director Victoria Cleland speaks
- 09:45: Bank of England Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden speaks
- 13:30: US Producer Price Index (PPI)
- 13:30: US initial jobless claims
- 13:30: Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index
- 13:30: New York Empire State Manufacturing Index
- 14:30: US retail sales
- 15:30: US EIA natural gas stocks
- 17:00: US NOPA crush report
- 17:00: US EIA crude oil stocks
Friday 16 October 2026
- 03:00: Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey speaks
- 13:30: US export and import prices
- 14:15: US industrial production
Upcoming IPOs
Companies expected to list on public markets in the coming days.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
| Company | Market |
| Meantime Resources Plc | AIM |
| Roundhouse AI Ltd | AIM |
Thursday 15 October 2026
| Company | Market |
| Iambic Therapeutics, Inc. | NASDAQ |
Friday 16 October 2026
| Company | Market |
| City Therapeutics, Inc. | NASDAQ |
Market Pulse is brought to you by ShareScope, providing private investors and traders with market data, investment research tools and company insights.
Information is based on data available at the time of publication. Scheduled events, results dates and dividend information may be subject to change.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell shares or other investments. Do your own research before buying or selling any investment or seek professional financial advice.
