Cards, suits and cars

The FTSE 100 was down in early trading following downbeat overnight sessions on Wall Street and in Asia, with volatile crude oil prices and global economic concerns continuing to have an impact on investor sentiment.

“Greeting card specialist Card Factory has rewarded investors with a 33% rise in dividends following another record year,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“The company’s momentum is due to a combination of continued strong online revenue growth and the opening of a large number of new stores and believes it is better placed than most to manage the increased cost pressures the sector is facing. 

“A shift to more casual wedding attire has failed to dent Moss Bros. Its shares were up in early trading after revenues and profits rose while the group’s decision to broaden its range to include lounge suits is underpinning a positive start to the year.

“AA’s earnings fell in the year to the end of January but revenues from its core roadside assistance arm increased. The group is on track to make annual cost savings of at least £40m from 2019 while also continuing to invest across the business.”

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