Markets: The Best and Worst Performing Sectors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The best performing sector last week was alcoholic beverages which rose 9.35 per cent. This gain almost exactly matched the rise in Grand Metropolitan and Guinness, the two drinks companies which announced an agreed merger on Monday. Trading was heavy in both stocks. Bid speculation also drove up shares in Allied Domecq.
Stocks in gas distribution rose 8.1 per cent. BG announced its first set of figures as a public company since its split from British Gas in February. First-quarter profit was up 10 per cent as oil production and prices rose to put its oil exploration subsidiary in the black. .
The worst performing sector was paper and packaging which fell 5.8 per cent. Companies have been hit in the first quarter by the significantly lower cost of pulp. This was demonstrated in figures published last week for Arjo Wiggins, which fell to pounds 816m from pounds 962m a year ago. Copyright: IOS & Bloomberg
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments