Finance 16 February 2026

Standard Chartered shares climbed 1.7% to 1,747 pence in early London trading Friday, rebounding after recent volatility. European bank and insurance stocks also rose ahead of Standard Chartered’s full-year results, due Feb. 24. Investors are watching for updates on core business growth and leadership changes following the departure of CFO Diego De Giorgi.

Anglo American shares fell about 1% to 3,548 pence in early London trading Monday ahead of its full-year results due Feb. 20. Investors await updates on production guidance, costs, and asset sales as the company prepares to present results and a sustainability strategy. Peers including Rio Tinto and Glencore also report this week.

RELX shares rose 2.1% to 2,305 pence in early London trading Monday, extending Friday’s 10% rebound. Investors are watching the pace of a £450 million buyback amid concerns over AI’s impact on the business. The company last week reported 2025 revenue of £9.59 billion and set a full-year dividend of 67.5 pence per share.

Reckitt Benckiser shares traded at 6,466 pence early Monday, near a 52-week high, after going ex-special-dividend on Feb. 2. A 235 pence special dividend is set for Feb. 20, following the sale of its Essential Home unit. The company completed a £1 billion buyback and will report full-year results on March 5.

Unilever shares closed up 1.44% at 5,432 pence on Friday, outpacing the FTSE 100. The company warned 2026 sales growth will likely hit the lower end of its 4%-6% target, despite a new €1.5 billion buyback. CEO Fernando Fernandez signaled slower price hikes this year. Investors await Unilever’s appearance at the CAGNY conference on Feb. 17.

National Grid shares fell 1.2% to 1,349.5 pence in early London trading Monday, pulling back from last week’s record highs. The drop comes ahead of full-year results and a dividend update due May 14, as investors weigh major grid spending plans against regulatory and funding risks.

Lloyds Banking Group repurchased 14.36 million shares at an average 100.17 pence on Feb. 13, with shares to be cancelled. The bank faces an internal probe over use of employee banking data during pay talks, as the Information Commissioner’s Office makes inquiries. Lloyds shares closed Friday at 100.40 pence, valuing the bank at £59 billion. Investors await UK labour and inflation data this week, which could affect rate expectations.