FTSE 100: In Focus on Inflation Data

21 Mar

Today, the Bank of England will release key inflation data, and the British government will unveil industrial production figures, both crucial for the London index. While unfavorable inflation figures are anticipated, the British economy is showing financial resilience, propelling the index to 7,746.82 points following positive results from several companies since Wednesday, representing a 0.1% increase.

In the corporate landscape, the construction company Persimmon (PSN) stands out with solid financial fundamentals, a large land bank, and high-quality finished products. This may facilitate the company's benefit as the home-buying cycle recovers in the coming years, despite last year's results remaining stable.

In contrast, the insurance company Prudential (PRU) plummeted despite meeting 2023 objectives and believing it can achieve this year's goals. Its stock price halved, reaching 2012 levels, partly due to its high exposure to the Chinese real estate market. Luxury brand Burberry was also affected by the Chinese slowdown, as reflected in its stock following Gucci's announcement of a 20% decline in the Asian market in the first quarter of the year.

From a technical perspective, the index faces a crucial test at the 7,787.79 point level. It has been testing the current zone since yesterday, and it remains to be seen if it can continue to climb towards February 2023 prices. Will it surpass this level and close the annual gap at 8,044.32 points? Currently, if the long-term direction is bullish, we could see an attempt to reach the previous price zone of 7970.57, although an accumulation zone is yet to be developed.

Analyzing the RSI indicator suggests a slight overbought condition at 67.53%. The visible range volume profile shows a prominent double bell curve with a well-defined point of control at 7,685.50 points. These data could indicate a potential correction to the middle of the range that has been developing since November 2023, with its midpoint at 7,606 points.

Company Results Table

Bullish Companies:

• Ashtead Group (AHT) 5.532,00p 4,14%
• St James's Place (STJ) 434,10p 3,78%
• Halma (HLMA) 2.288,00p 3,62%
• Melrose Industries (MRO) 642,40p 3,48%
• Persimmon (PSN) 1.298,00p 2. 77%
• Airtel Africa (AAF) 93,05p 2,59%
• NATWEST GROUP (NWG) 246,00p 2,50%
• Croda International (CRDA) 4.835,00p 2,35%
• JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 112,80p 2,04%
• Kingfisher (KGF) 228,50p 1,92

Bearish Companies:

• Prudential (PRU) 731,00p -6,35%
• Burberry Group (BRBY) 1.181,00p -3,98%
• Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1.041,00p -1,61%
• Weir Group (WEIR) 1.970,50p -1,30%
• GSK (GSK) 1.645,40p -1,14% BP (BP. ) 492,90p -1,08%
• Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 240,70p -1,03%
• British American Tobacco (BATS) 2.389,50p -0,93%
• Convatec Group (CTEC) 283,20p -0,91%
• Unilever (ULVR) 3.893,50p -0,90


Ion Jauregui - AT Analyst



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