London’s blue chips ticked up as Tuesday’s session kicked off, with the FTSE 100 rising nine points to 8,668 in early dealings.
Smith & Nephew PLC headed the rise, surging 9.1%, following news in full-year results that its turnaround efforts would deliver a “step-up” in 2025.
Croda International PLC was another riser, gaining 3.3% after flagging 2024 as a “transitional year” upon posting an 11.6% fall in annual profit to £260 million.
Unilever PL led fallers in the meantime with a 2.9% drop on surprise news chief executive Hein Schumacher would step down next week after less than two years in charge. Finance chief Fernando Fernandez has been promoted to the CEO role.
Union Jack Oil PLC was among the junior market’s gainers, up 10.6%.