Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY) was unlikely to be the target of a warning from the UK’s financial watchdog telling motor finance firms to hold back cash for a probe into the sector.
That’s according to KBW analysts, which highlighted Lloyds’ £450 million provision, laid out in February's full-year results.
Diageo has seen some much-needed good news with the price of a key ingredient in Tequila down by 85% from its peak in late 2022.
Analysts at Deutsche Bank, however, don’t see that as sufficient for them to change their sell recommendation, with Campari likely to see a bigger benefit.
BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.) received a share price target upgrade by Deutsche Bank analysts on Friday as European defence spending looks to keep growing.
“BAE has more exposure to the Nordic, Baltic and Eastern European states, which are the fastest growing defence markets in Europe,” the bank said in a note.
Housebuilders climbed on Friday after JPMorgan analysts said the sector could be set for a recovery, prompting a flurry of upgrades.
Taylor Wimpey PLC gained 3.9%, while Persimmon, Barratt Developments and Vistry climbed 2.3%, 1.6% and 1.5% respectively, as all were upgraded to ‘overweight’ ratings.
The UK economy is at a “turning point” after February's 0.1% rise in gross domestic product (GDP), according to analysts at Deutsche Bank.
Following the data from the ONS showing a second consecutive month of economic growth, “The technical recession is behind us,” the bank commented,