BAT (LSE:BATS) Holds Up as FTSE Weakens, U.S. Vape Scrutiny Grows
British American Tobacco climbed 1.6% to 4,519 pence at 1054 BST Tuesday, adding to a 2.5% gain seen Monday. Imperial Brands was up 0.7%, but BAT outperformed among London’s leading tobacco names in the morning. FTSE 100 dropped 0.7% by 0919 GMT as worries over higher interest rates pressured stocks in a risk-off morning. While most sectors fell, consumer staples were up over 1%. These defensive names can attract buyers when growth fears pick up, since their sales usually stay steady.