UK Stocks-Factors to watch on October 29 (updated)
29/10/2025 08:05
Adds new items, updates futures Oct 29 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening higher on Wednesday, with futures FFIc1 up 0.12%. * GSK: GSK GSK.L raised its 2025 sales expectations after third-quarter results beat expectations, driven by double-digit growth in its speciality medicines, including HIV and oncology. * ASTON MARTIN: Luxury carmaker Aston Martin AML.L reported a wider-than-expected third-quarter loss on Wednesday, pressured by soft demand, supply chain disruptions, and new tariff policies. * SANTANDER UK: Santander UK SANS_pa.L said it has decided not to publish its third-quarter results as the lender seeks clarity on the UK financial regulator's proposals related to the motor finance mis-selling scandal. * NEXT: British fashion retailer Next NXT.L edged-up its full year profit guidance for the fourth time in eight months as it reported a stronger-than-expected 10.5% rise in full-price sales for its third quarter to October 25. * PHOENIX GROUP: Phoenix Group PHNX.L is in talks to raise 1 billion pounds ($1.34 billion) from private equity firms, the Financial Times reported, as it moves to scale up its pension-risk transfer (PRT) operations and capitalise on strong demand. * OIL: Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday, extending a three-day slide, as doubts about the effectiveness of Russia sanctions and a potential OPEC+ output increase put pressure on the market. * COPPER: Copper prices hit a record high on Wednesday, driven by mounting supply shortages after major miners reported steep production declines. * GOLD: Gold prices inched higher on Wednesday, ahead of a widely expected interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve, although easing U.S.-China trade tensions kept bullion strength in check. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/ TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times PRESS/FT > Other business headlines PRESS/GB (Compiled by Tuhina and SImone Lobo in Bengaluru) ((tuhina@thomsonreuters.com )) ))