News 16 February 2026

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.

ALS Ltd shares closed down 0.8% at A$23.82 on Monday, about 3% below the 52-week high reached earlier this month. The ASX 200 rose 0.22% as earnings season picked up, while trading was muted by U.S. and China holidays. ALS’s next scheduled report is expected in late May.

Lynas Rare Earths closed down 0.3% at A$15.93 in Sydney after trading between A$15.62 and A$16.27 on volume of 3 million shares. The ASX rose about 0.2% as gold stocks gained and banks slipped. Thin trading persisted with several Asian markets shut for Lunar New Year. Investors await Friday’s global PMI and U.S. GDP data for manufacturing demand signals.