The Tipster | Imperially smoked
AFTER a difficult period in early September, investors in Imperial Tobacco will be hoping that Thursday’s update will give the company momentum. Share prices sit in the middle of its 52-week range, after being hit by Russia’s ban on smoking in public. But continued growth in emerging markets should give investors something to cheer about. IG quotes a price of £23.04-£23.10 on Imperial Tobacco.
Positive news is expected from retailer Debenhams, as it gives its fourth quarter trading update on Thursday. Sales are expected to be respectable, but like many other retailers, clothing sales may have been adversely affected by wet weather conditions over the summer months. CMC Markets quotes a price of 99.77p-100.03p for Debenhams.
ASOS has enjoyed a bumper year, seeing its shares soar by over 18 per cent. The online fashion retailer releases its fourth quarter trading update tomorrow, and traders will be looking to see whether the company has built on its strong UK position by developing its overseas markets. Spreadex quotes a price of 2020p-2043p for ASOS.
BP has struggled to regain its pre-2010 valuation, as investors seek less volatility. The company has recently embarked on a major cost cutting drive, while further monetary easing in the US is likely to give the shares – which sit in the middle of their 52-week range – some momentum. The UK’s largest petrochemical company may also gain from rising crude prices. Spread Co quotes a price of 450.08p- 450.58p for BP.
United Utilities has fallen from its August highs, after defensive stocks were shunned in risk-on rallies. However, the stock has gained 14 per cent in the last year and investors will be looking to Thursday’s trading statement to reignite interest in the utilities distributor. Capital Spreads quotes a price of 688.1p-689.9p for United Utilities.