THE TIPSTER
THE tobacco firms have been popular defensive plays in the recent uncertainty, but with global economic sentiment rallying – at least temporarily – the risk has to be that stocks like this start to lag. However, British American Tobacco has an interim management statement due on Wednesday that will doubtless provide further reminders over the benefits of exposure to emerging markets. IG Markets quotes British American Tobacco at 2,841p-2,841.5p.
BP shares have undergone a renaissance of late. In the past month, fears about the extent of its Gulf of Mexico liabilities have started to recede in light of recent settlements with some of its partners. Today’s third quarter trading update is widely expected to announce a drop in profits for the quarter to $4.9bn. CMC Markets quotes BP at 436.10p-436.66p.
GlaxoSmithKline reports its interim results on Wednesday and investors will be eagerly awaiting an update on its pipeline of patents. The defensive stock has managed to serve more risk adverse investors well, hovering around the £10 to £13 mark, while yielding an attractive 4.7 per cent. Capital CFDs quotes GlaxoSmithKline at £1,389.8-£1,392.2.
William Hill updates the market on Thursday, with the recent walkouts by staff in some of its overseas operations still fresh in investors’ minds, as well as analysts who have downgraded Hill following the disruptions. The shares look held at the 240p level, with resistance going back to 2008/2009 so look to sell on any approach to these levels again. Spread Co quotes William Hill at 228.05p-228.69p.