Central banks and inflation steer markets, while THG and XPS jump, Antofagasta falls, and Dunelm, Softcat and AudioBoom trend in ShareScope.
The FTSE 100 recorded modest gains last week, supported by reassuring comments from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who played down inflation concerns and highlighted the resilience of the UK economy.
His remarks helped strengthen investor confidence despite a more cautious global backdrop, with markets continuing to weigh the prospect of higher interest rates.
In the US, Federal Reserve discussions and stronger inflation data maintained pressure on bond markets, pushing yields higher and dampening some of the optimism surrounding equities.
Meanwhile, fluctuations in global oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East added to market uncertainty. European equities also made gains, supported by expectations surrounding fiscal policy and energy markets.
Overall, it was another week in which central bank commentary, economic indicators and geopolitical developments played a central role in shaping investor sentiment.
Notable Moves Last Week
A selection of FTSE 350 risers and fallers, with accompanying company news.
THG PLC ▲30.3%
THG reported significant progress, achieving an important milestone with its first year of positive free cash flow since listing.
The company also recorded revenue growth, supported by new partnerships and strategic initiatives across its beauty and nutrition businesses. Management expects growth to accelerate further in the final quarter.
XPS Pensions Group PLC ▲11.3%
XPS Pensions Group delivered strong revenue growth, benefiting from increased demand for its advisory and insurance services amid ongoing regulatory changes.
The acquisition of Austin Professional Resourcing LLP is progressing well, while disciplined cost management and operational efficiencies have supported profitability.
The group now expects its full-year performance to come in slightly ahead of previous expectations.
Antofagasta PLC ▼9.81%
Antofagasta shares declined following weaker-than-expected third-quarter production figures and a disappointing outlook for 2027.
Although copper output increased, gold and molybdenum production fell short of expectations. The mining group also raised its 2026 cost guidance, citing persistently high diesel prices.
Trending Shares in ShareScope
The 10 most searched shares by ShareScope users last week.
| Rank | Company |
| 1 | Dunelm Group PLC |
| 2 | TPXimpact Holdings PLC |
| 3 | Softcat PLC |
| 4 | AudioBoom Group PLC |
| 5 | Vertu Motors PLC |
| 6 | Greencore Group PLC |
| 7 | BP PLC |
| 8 | Marston’s PLC |
| 9 | Whitbread PLC |
| 10 | YouGov PLC |
Several of the most searched companies featured prominently in the news last week. Here’s a closer look at four of them.
Dunelm Group PLC
Dunelm reported a gradual improvement in sales during September, following a slower start to the period caused by unusually warm weather.
The homewares retailer highlighted strong performances in its Made to Measure and Cook and Dine categories, alongside continued progress with cost reductions and store expansion.
Management remains confident in the company’s three-year growth strategy.
Softcat PLC
Softcat reported higher annual profits, exceeding market expectations as demand for IT infrastructure continued to grow.
The company benefited from increased investment in technology, including artificial intelligence and memory chips, while strengthening its presence in the US through the acquisition of General Datatec.
Softcat also increased its dividend, reflecting confidence in its longer-term growth prospects.
AudioBoom Group PLC
AudioBoom delivered strong third-quarter performance, with significant growth across several key financial measures.
Advertising revenue was a particular highlight, supported by a strong portfolio of podcast content and a continued focus on higher-margin advertising products.
The company is also positioning itself to pursue strategic acquisition opportunities within the podcast industry.
Greencore Group PLC
Greencore upgraded its profit forecast for the second time in three months following a strong conclusion to its financial year.
The food producer benefited from robust volume growth and improved profitability, while continuing its integration with Bakkavor.
The planned sale of its US operations is also progressing as expected.
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 19 October 2026.
Upcoming Company Results
Key company results expected in the week ahead.
Monday 19 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
| ITM Power plc | ITM | Final |
| Tristel Plc | TSTL | Final |
Wednesday 21 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
| Beeks Financial Cloud Group Plc | BKS | Final |
| Gelion Plc | GELN | Final |
Thursday 22 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
| Auction Technology Group plc | ATG | Final |
Upcoming Ex-Dividend Dates
Companies scheduled to trade ex-dividend this week.
Thursday 22 October 2026
| Company | TIDM | Type | Payment Date | Amount | Yield |
| Aberdeen Asian Income Fund Ltd | AAIF | Advance | 20/11/26 | 5.42p | 5.4% |
| Avation PLC | AVAP | Q4 | 10/11/26 | 1.13p | 0.8% |
| BAE Systems PLC | BA. | Q2 | 02/12/26 | 15.00p | 1.8% |
| Bankers Investment Trust PLC | BNKR | Advance | 27/11/26 | 0.71p | 1.8% |
| Bridgepoint Group PLC | BPT | Advance | 12/11/26 | 5.00p | 2.3% |
| City of London Investment Trust (The) PLC | CTY | Advance | 30/11/26 | 5.70p | 3.7% |
| Dunelm Group PLC | DNLM | Q4 | 17/11/26 | 28.50p | 5.1% |
| FDM Group Holdings PLC | FDM | Q2 | 13/11/26 | 3.00p | 9.8% |
| Foresight Solar Fund Ltd | FSFL | Q2 | 20/11/26 | 2.02p | 11.5% |
| M Winkworth PLC | WINK | Advance | 20/11/26 | 3.30p | 7.3% |
| MJ Gleeson PLC | GLE | Q4 | 20/11/26 | 1.00p | 1.7% |
| Marshalls PLC | MSLH | Q2 | 01/12/26 | 2.50p | 3.8% |
| Moonpig Group PLC | MOON | Q4 | 19/11/26 | 2.50p | 1.3% |
| Morgan Advanced Materials PLC | MGAM | Q2 | 17/11/26 | 5.40p | 4.3% |
| Orchard Funding Group PLC | ORCH | Q2 | 12/11/26 | 2.00p | 1.5% |
| Sanderson Design Group PLC | SDG | Q2 | 27/11/26 | 0.50p | 1.9% |
| Serica Energy PLC | SQZ | Q2 | 19/11/26 | 6.00p | 5.7% |
| TBC Bank Group PLC | TBCG | Q2 | 20/11/26 | 51.00p | 4.8% |
| Thor Explorations Ltd | THX | Advance | 13/11/26 | 0.66p | 4.9% |
| Touchstar PLC | TST | Q2 | 19/11/26 | 1.50p | 4.6% |
| Wetherspoon (JD) PLC | JDW | Advance | 26/11/26 | 8.00p | 1.2% |
Upcoming Economic Events
The major UK and US economic releases scheduled for the coming week.
All times are British Summer Time (BST).
Tuesday 20 October 2026
- 07:00: UK unemployment figures
- 07:00: UK average earnings
- 07:00: UK employment change
- 13:30: US building permits
- 13:55: US Redbook Index
Wednesday 21 October 2026
- 07:00: UK Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- 07:00: UK Producer Price Index (PPI)
- 07:00: UK public sector net borrowing
- 15:30: US EIA crude oil stocks
Thursday 22 October 2026
- 00:01: UK consumer confidence
- 11:00: UK CBI Business Optimism Index
- 13:30: US initial jobless claims
- 15:00: US Conference Board Leading Index
- 15:30: US EIA natural gas stocks
- 16:00: US Kansas City Fed manufacturing activity
Friday 23 October 2026
- 00:01: UK consumer confidence
- 07:00: UK retail sales
- 09:30: UK Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
- 11:00: UK CBI Business Optimism Index
- 14:45: US Flash Composite PMI
- 15:00: US Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index
Sunday 25 October 2026
- UK: British Summer Time ends. Clocks move back one hour as the UK returns to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Upcoming IPOs
Companies expected to list on public markets in the coming days.
There are no IPOs currently scheduled for this week.
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.
