ICI's chemical reaction pushes FTSE above 5,400 mark

clock

The FTSE 100 has ended above the 5,400 mark for the first time in a month, ending 73.3 points, or 1.37%, higher at 5,431.9, after a batch of well-received trading figures calmed inflation concerns.

Chemicals group ICI jumped 19.25p, or 6.55%, to 313.25p to end as the highest mover after announcing forecast-beating earnings. It also said it had enjoyed good trading in relatively difficult conditions. But Tate & Lyle was close behind ICI, as it jumped 28.75p, or 6.1%, to 499.75p, as traders reported buyers had scrambled to cover short positions as its first-half results came in above expectations. Rentokil Initial was another strong gainer, as it climbed 6.75p, or 4.5%, to 156.75p, to end as the third highest mover, after it reported higher margins in the third quarter and said p...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Beyond London: Adviser opportunities in regional investment

Beyond London: Adviser opportunities in regional investment

Hugi Clarke unpacks the regional growth agenda

Isabel Baxter
clock 31 July 2026 • 1 min read
Looking beyond the oil shock

Looking beyond the oil shock

'A few weeks ago, there was genuine reason for optimism'

Fahad Hassan
clock 27 July 2026 • 4 min read
What does a new PM and chancellor mean for investments?

What does a new PM and chancellor mean for investments?

'What is important is what happens over the long term'

Jasper Thornton Boelman
clock 23 July 2026 • 4 min read