Easyjet, William Hill, Hochschild Mining

“The FTSE 100 slipped into negative territory at the market open ahead of the European Central Bank’s first meeting since the UK’s vote to leave the EU,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“EasyJet could be in store for a difficult fourth quarter after reporting a 7.7% decline in revenue per seat for the previous three months. Increased capacity across the short haul airline industry and weak consumer confidence in light of terrorist events may put further pressure on airlines to drop ticket prices. The whole airline industry is under pressure, as illustrated by Lufthansa’s fresh profit warning and last month’s downgraded earnings guidance from International Consolidated Airlines and EasyJet itself.

“William Hill surprised the market by announcing the immediate departure of chief executive James Henderson. Shares in the bookmaker had fallen nearly 20% during his two year tenure as earnings came under pressure from higher taxes and increased competition. Finance boss Philip Bowcock takes over as interim CEO. He previously did a great job as chief financial officer at Cineworld although William Hill shareholders may wish to ignore his time at nightclub operator Luminar. That job proved to be a bad bet as the business went into administration a year after he joined.

“In a world of doom and gloom about the economy, politics and terror threats it is a welcome relief to see some companies are still capable of producing good news. Guidance for higher production and lower costs puts a shine on silver and gold digger Hochschild Mining. Its shares are up nearly 350% so far this year; proof that it is still possible to make money if you pick the right stocks.”

These articles are for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice.