London, Feb 12, 2026, 09:35 GMT — Regular session
- 3i shares ticked up in early London trading as investors digested a softer UK growth report.
- UK financials, including listed private equity firms, are once again under the spotlight as rate expectations shift.
- 3i is set to hold an Action-focused investor event later this quarter.
3i Group (III) shares climbed 0.4% to 3,355 pence by 0920 GMT, after a stronger open followed by a slight pullback. The stock had previously closed at 3,343p.
This shift is significant as UK rate bets have resumed influencing intra-day positioning, with 3i caught between financials and consumer-focused assets. Changes in investors’ expectations about rate levels typically trigger simultaneous adjustments to private-asset valuations and funding expenses.
Britain’s economy expanded by just 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025, falling short of the predicted 0.2%, official data revealed Thursday. Luke Bartholomew, deputy chief economist at Aberdeen, noted “tentative signs” of improved sentiment following November’s budget but warned that “recent political uncertainty may see that sentiment bounce reverse.” Reuters
The Bank of England’s Bank Rate stands at 3.75%, with the next decision set for March 19. Investors are keen to see if weaker growth forces the central bank to cut rates again, despite inflation still exceeding its 2% target.
The FTSE 100 hit a record high on Wednesday, boosted by gains in housebuilders and energy stocks. However, some wealth managers took a hit amid concerns that emerging AI tools might disrupt parts of their business.
3i’s latest update came with its January 29 quarterly statement, revealing that net asset value (NAV) per share had climbed to 3,017 pence as of December 31. The firm reported that Action, a Dutch non-food discounter, hit €16.0 billion in net sales and €2.367 billion in operating EBITDA for 2025. It also noted that like-for-like sales — which exclude new store openings — got off to a strong start in the new year. CEO Simon Borrows described Action’s progress as an “impressive growth trajectory.” Meanwhile, 3i highlighted gross cash reserves of £995 million and a gearing ratio of just 1%. 3i
Traders are zeroing in on a handful of key indicators: consumer spending trends in Europe, the speed of rate cuts, and whether public markets continue to value private assets highly as the macro picture gets complicated.
Still, 3i faces risks on two fronts. If Action’s momentum falters or if a wider drop in risk appetite drags down valuation benchmarks, sentiment around the stock could take a hit.
On March 26, 3i will host its Action Capital Markets Seminar webcast, with investors eager for updates on trading performance and growth strategies.
