British stocks opened slightly lower on Tuesday, while the pound held firm against the dollar after U.K. unemployment rose to a post-pandemic high in October and broader European markets traded in the red.
As of 0803 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 fell 0.05 % and the British pound rose 0.09% against the dollar to above 1.33.
DAX index in Germany dropped 0.6%, the CAC 40 in France fell 0.2%.
UK round up The U.K. unemployment rate increased to 5.1% in the three months to October, up from 5.0% the previous month, according to data released Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics. The latest figure represents a post-pandemic high.
At the same time, pay growth excluding bonuses across the whole economy slowed to an annual rate of 4.6% in the three months to October, down from a revised 4.7% in the prior period. These indicators point toward a potential interest rate cut by the Bank of England later this week.
In corporate news, Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LON:RR) announced plans for a £200 million interim share buyback program starting January 2, 2026. This follows the completion of its £1 billion share buyback program in November 2025. The new program will run until February 24, 2026, ahead of the company’s full-year 2025 results announcement expected on February 26, 2026.
3rd party Ad. Not an offer or recommendation by Investing.com. See disclosure here or remove ads. Sthree Plc (LON:STEMS), the global STEM workforce consultancy, reported that its financial year 2025 performance is expected to align with previously announced profit before tax guidance of £25 million. The company experienced a 12% year-over-year decline in group net fees but noted sequential quarter-on-quarter improvement in the rate of decline throughout the year, with the US market returning to growth.
Goodwin PLC (LON:GDWN) reported a substantial increase in trading profits for the six months ended October 31, 2025, reaching £37.2 million compared to £17.1 million in the same period last year. The engineering group’s revenue rose 27.4% to £135.6 million, up from £106.4 million, while its gross profit margin improved to 49.3% from 43.0%.
AstraZeneca PLC (ST:AZN) received European Union approval for Saphnelo (anifrolumab) as a subcutaneous self-administration option for adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The approval allows patients to use a pre-filled pen for self-administration alongside standard therapy, based on positive results from the Phase III TULIP-SC trial.
Serica Energy PLC (LON:SQZ) has agreed to purchase a portfolio of Southern North Sea assets from Spirit Energy Limited for £57 million ($74 million), with completion expected in the second half of 2026.
IG Group Holdings PLC (LON:IGG) reported a 29% increase in organic trading revenue for the quarter ended November 30, driven by double-digit new customer growth and strategic initiatives.
The company is extending its share buyback program by £75 million to £200 million, with completion now expected by March 31, 2026. IG Group also accelerated its revenue growth guidance, now expecting growth around the mid-point of its previously guided mid-to-high single-digit range in calendar year 2026.
Ofwat, the water sector regulator for England and Wales, confirmed an £11 million enforcement package against Wessex Water for failing to properly operate, maintain and upgrade its wastewater network.
Shell PLC’s (AS:SHEL) chief of mergers Greg Gut has left the company following the blocking of an internal proposal to acquire rival oil and gas major BP (NYSE:BP), according to the Financial Times.
The exit comes after CEO Wael Sawan and his top lieutenant rejected the acquisition plan that had been proposed earlier this year.
