Rate concerns and geopolitics keep markets volatile, while Metro Bank rises, Coca-Cola HBC falls, and M&S, Diageo and Ibstock trend in ShareScope.

UK markets experienced a volatile week, with the FTSE 100 and wider London indices fluctuating as investors responded to economic developments, central bank decisions and geopolitical uncertainty.
In the US, stronger-than-expected employment figures raised concerns that the Federal Reserve could maintain a more restrictive approach to interest rates, weighing on investor confidence. Closer to home, the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision added to market uncertainty as investors assessed the outlook for inflation and economic growth.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also continued to influence sentiment, contributing to fluctuations in oil prices amid speculation surrounding potential talks between the US and Iran.
Meanwhile, developments following the US midterm elections influenced currency markets, with Democratic gains adding another consideration for investors assessing the future direction of US policy.
Overall, it was another week in which economic data, monetary policy and geopolitical developments played a central role in shaping market sentiment.
Notable Moves Last Week
A selection of FTSE 350 risers and fallers, with accompanying company news.
Metro Bank Holdings PLC ▲16%
Metro Bank Holdings enjoyed a strong rise in its share price, supported by improved net interest margins and continued strength in credit quality.
The bank also reported robust loan growth, benefiting from its strategy of expanding into targeted lending segments.
Management maintained its full-year financial guidance, reflecting confidence in the bank’s operational performance and longer-term outlook.
Coca-Cola HBC AG ▼11%
Coca-Cola HBC shares declined following news that a Russian company had requested external management of its Russian operations.
Although Coca-Cola HBC has not exercised autonomous management of these operations since 2022, the development raised concerns over potential implications for future earnings.
The uncertainty overshadowed continued growth across other regions, highlighting the impact of geopolitical developments on multinational businesses.

Trending Shares in ShareScope
The 10 most searched shares by ShareScope users last week.
| Rank | Company |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hardide PLC |
| 2 | Polar Capital Technology Trust PLC |
| 3 | Marks & Spencer Group PLC |
| 4 | Shell PLC |
| 5 | Alphabet Inc |
| 6 | NVIDIA Corp |
| 7 | Diageo PLC |
| 8 | Ibstock PLC |
| 9 | Volex PLC |
| 10 | Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC |
Several of the most searched companies featured prominently in the news last week. Here’s a closer look at three of them.
Marks & Spencer Group PLC
Marks & Spencer reported a significant improvement in profitability as the retailer continued its recovery from the disruption caused by last year’s cyberattack.
Its food division delivered strong growth, while progress in clothing and home highlighted both improvements and areas where further work is required.
The company continues to invest in its supply chain and digital capabilities, aiming to strengthen operational efficiency and support longer-term growth.
Diageo PLC
Diageo reported growth across several international markets, including Europe, Asia Pacific and India, helping to offset weaker sales in North America.
Overall, trading for the quarter was in line with expectations, although conditions in the important North American market remained challenging.
The drinks group continues to implement strategic initiatives designed to improve competitiveness, strengthen its brand portfolio and navigate an uncertain global trading environment.

Ibstock PLC
Ibstock faced increasingly challenging trading conditions during the latter part of the year, reflecting a deterioration in demand across its markets.
The building materials manufacturer responded by taking steps to manage inventory levels and reduce operating costs, although these measures and the weaker market backdrop are expected to affect near-term earnings.
Management remains focused on cash generation and operational efficiency, while positioning the business to benefit when market conditions improve.
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 9 November 2026.
Upcoming Company Results
Key company results expected in the week ahead.
Monday 9 November 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Beximco Pharmaceuticals plc | BXP | Final |
| SRT Marine Systems plc | SRT | Final |
Tuesday 10 November 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
|---|---|---|
| AB Dynamics plc | ABDP | Final |
Thursday 12 November 2026
| Company | TIDM | Results |
|---|---|---|
| WH Smith Plc | SMWH | Final |
Upcoming Ex-Dividend Dates
Companies scheduled to trade ex-dividend this week.
Thursday 12 November 2026
| Company | TIDM | Type | Payment Date | Amount | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel Africa PLC | AAF | Q2 | 11/12/26 | 2.31p | 1.9% |
| Anpario PLC | ANP | Q2 | 27/11/26 | 3.80p | 2.5% |
| BP PLC | BP. | Q3 | 18/12/26 | 6.44p | 4.4% |
| Blackrock American Income Trust PLC | BRAI | Advance | 11/12/26 | 4.22p | 4.1% |
| British Smaller Companies VCT PLC | BSV | Advance | 11/12/26 | 2.00p | 5.5% |
| Bunzl PLC | BNZL | Q2 | 05/01/27 | 20.80p | 2.6% |
| C&C Group PLC | CCR | Q2 | 18/12/26 | 2.00c | 4.5% |
| Fidelity Emerging Markets Ltd | FEML | Q4 | 08/12/26 | 24.53p | 2.0% |
| GSK PLC | GSK | Q3 | 07/01/27 | 17.00p | 3.5% |
| Genus PLC | GNS | Q4 | 04/12/26 | 24.00p | 1.5% |
| Greencoat UK Wind PLC | UKW | Advance | 27/11/26 | 2.67p | 8.6% |
| ICG Enterprise Trust PLC | ICGT | Q2 | 27/11/26 | 9.50p | 2.8% |
| International Public Partnership Ltd | INPP | Q2 | 15/12/26 | 2.20p | 6.1% |
| James Halstead PLC | JHD | Q4 | 11/12/26 | 6.10p | 6.6% |
| Majedie Investments PLC | MAJE | Advance | 04/12/26 | 2.50p | 2.4% |
| Mincon Group PLC | MCON | Q2 | 04/12/26 | 1.05c | 2.2% |
| Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust PLC | ORIT | Advance | 30/11/26 | 1.56p | 10.0% |
| Pershing Square Holdings Ltd | PSH | Advance | 18/12/26 | 18.37¢ | 1.3% |
| SEPLAT Petroleum Development Co PLC | SEPL | Q3 | 27/11/26 | 5.00¢ | 1.6% |
| SEPLAT Petroleum Development Co PLC | SEPL | Special | 27/11/26 | 14.00¢ | 1.6% |
| SThree PLC | STEM | Q2 | 11/12/26 | 5.10p | 4.8% |
| Sainsbury (J) PLC | SBRY | Q2 | 18/12/26 | 4.10p | 3.9% |
| Schroder Bsc Social Impact Trust PLC | SBSI | Q4 | 18/12/26 | 2.60p | 3.3% |
| Shell PLC | SHEL | Q3 | 21/12/26 | 29.03p | 2.9% |
| Softcat PLC | SCT | Q4 | 21/12/26 | 21.60p | 2.0% |
| Springfield Properties PLC | SPR | Q4 | 17/12/26 | 3.00p | 2.8% |
| Target Healthcare REIT Ltd | THRL | Advance | 27/11/26 | 1.55p | 5.0% |
| Unilever PLC | ULVR | Advance | 18/12/26 | 39.07p | 3.5% |
Friday 13 November 2026
| Company | TIDM | Type | Payment Date | Amount | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Paper Co | IPC | Advance | 15/12/26 | 46.25¢ | 5.4% |
Upcoming Economic Events
The major UK and US economic releases and central bank announcements scheduled for the coming week.
All times are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Monday 9 November 2026
-
12:28: Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey speaks
-
15:00: US wholesale inventories
-
15:00: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speaks
-
16:00: US consumer inflation expectations
Tuesday 10 November 2026
-
00:01: UK BRC Retail Sales Monitor
-
06:30: Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill speaks
-
12:30: Bank of England Deputy Governor Clare Lombardelli speaks
-
13:30: US Consumer Price Index (CPI)
-
13:55: US Redbook Index
-
17:00: US EIA Energy Outlook
Wednesday 11 November 2026
-
18:00: US monthly budget statement
Thursday 12 November 2026
-
00:01: UK house price balance
-
07:00: UK GDP
-
07:00: UK trade balance
-
07:00: UK industrial production
-
07:00: UK manufacturing production
-
13:30: US initial jobless claims
-
15:00: US existing home sales
-
17:00: US EIA crude oil stocks
Friday 13 November 2026
-
08:00: Worldpanel UK grocery market share data
-
13:30: US Producer Price Index (PPI)
-
15:30: US EIA natural gas stocks
Upcoming IPOs
Companies expected to list on public markets in the coming days.
Thursday 12 November 2026
| Company | Market |
|---|---|
| Rezera Inc. | NASDAQ |
Market Pulse is brought to you by ShareScope, providing private investors and traders with market data, investment research tools and company insights.
This weekly briefing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell shares or other investments. Always do your own research or seek professional financial advice before making investment decisions.
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.



