FTSE 100 Movers:

GSK, Haleon, Barclays in Focus as Microsoft and Meta Earnings Loom

Key Highlights:

• FTSE 100 sees flurry of trading updates from major companies
• GSK’s vaccine division under scrutiny amid political controversy
• Haleon and Barclays receive upbeat analyst outlooks
• Microsoft and Meta earnings set to influence global market sentiment
• Broader financial, tech, and economic data expected later in the day

A Packed Day for FTSE 100 Investors

Wednesday 30 April kicks off with a hectic trading session on the FTSE 100, featuring results and updates from over a dozen major UK-listed companies. At the same time, global markets are eagerly anticipating earnings from US tech giants Microsoft and Meta, both of which could shape investor sentiment heading into May.

Spotlight on GSK as Vaccine Business Faces Pressure

Tenth-largest in the FTSE 100, GSK is back under the microscope today, following the recent political appointment of vaccine-sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as US Health Secretary. Investors are paying close attention to GSK’s vaccine business, which is likely to face renewed challenges and scrutiny in this political climate.

Haleon and Barclays Emerge as Bright Spots

Meanwhile, Haleon, the consumer health firm spun out of GSK and Pfizer, is earning praise from analysts who say the company is well-positioned for market uncertainty, especially due to its strong product portfolio in essentials like toothpaste and pain relief.

In the banking sector, Barclays is also standing out as a top pick. Analysts highlight strength in its investment banking operations and positive momentum from trading activities, offering a welcome contrast to wider sector headwinds.

Financial Services Updates to Watch

Aberdeen Group returns to the spotlight after restoring the classic “AE” to its name. While updates across the fund management sector remain mixed, all eyes will be on Aberdeen’s performance in light of broader market volatility.

Other notable FTSE 100 names reporting today include:

• Aston Martin Lagonda
• Coca-Cola HBC
• Glencore
• OSB Group
• Prudential
• Santander UK
• Segro
• Smith & Nephew
• Spectris
• Taylor Wimpey

Global Focus Turns to Microsoft and Meta

Later in the day, attention will shift across the Atlantic as Microsoft and Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram) announce their latest earnings. Despite strong fundamentals, even optimistic Wall Street analysts are expressing caution around Microsoft’s future growth, especially in cloud computing and AI.

For Meta, expectations are high. The company is forecast to post solid profit and revenue growth, but investors will be keeping a close eye on trends in advertising, AI spending, and regulatory risks across global markets.

Other Key Announcements Today

In addition to earnings, several important economic data releases are on the horizon. These include:

• China Manufacturing PMI
• EU GDP
• US ADP Employment Report
• US PCE Price Index
• US Personal Income and Spending
• US GDP Price Index
• Chicago PMI
• US Pending Home Sales

Final results are also due from several smaller listed firms such as Novacyt, Puretech Health, Sanderson Design Group, and Strix Group.

Conclusion

Today promises to be a pivotal day for investors, with the FTSE 100 reacting to a flood of corporate earnings, while global markets brace for crucial updates from Big Tech and economic data across China, Europe, and the US.

Whether you're tracking pharmaceuticals, banking, tech, or property, this is a day to stay tuned in. The decisions and results released today are likely to shape market sentiment well into May.

Sources: (Investing.com)