LSE:BATS 16 May 2026

Business News·Investment·LSE:BATS·News·Stock Market

British American Tobacco up as buyers look for safety

British American Tobacco shares rose 1.54% to 4,939 pence in London by 10:56 BST, nearing a 52-week high as global markets remained volatile amid Middle East tensions. The FTSE 100 edged up 0.26%, supported by gains in tobacco and oil stocks. BAT confirmed a 245.04 pence interim dividend for 2025. Growth in its Velo nicotine pouches continued, with the product gaining U.S. market share.

May 18, 2026

Finance·Investment Strategies·LSE:BATS·LSE:IMB·News·NYSE:PM·Stock Market

BAT stock up 14% this week, Monday in focus

British American Tobacco shares closed at 4,864p in London Friday, down 1.98% but up 13.99% for the week. The rally followed a U.S. judge dismissing a criminal case over North Korea sanctions after BAT paid $630 million. Volume reached 5.3 million shares, with a trade high of 5,006p. The stock’s dividend yield remains just under 5%.

May 16, 2026

ASX Expected to Decline Despite Wall Street Record Highs as Oil Prices Drop
May 27, 2026, 8:36 PM EDT. The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is poised to slip amid falling oil prices, despite record gains on Wall Street. Oil prices retreating weigh on energy stocks, impacting market sentiment. Wall Street's indexes hit new highs, but the ASX's reliance on resource exports exposes it to commodity shifts. Investors remain cautious ahead of upcoming economic data. The divergence highlights regional market sensitivity to global energy trends. Analysts advise close monitoring of commodity markets as a key factor influencing equity performance in Australia.