UK Stock Market Today: FTSE Dips as Big Tech Earnings and Puma’s Slump Weigh
The UK stock market, anchored by the London Stock Exchange and its benchmark FTSE 100 index, faced a subdued session on Friday, 31 July 2026. The ‘Footsie’ and other major indices traded lower in early deals, as investors digested a fresh batch of Big Tech earnings from the US. The cautious sentiment reflected global concerns over tech valuations and consumer demand, which also spilled over into European markets.
In corporate news, sportswear giant Puma reported a nearly 10% drop in second-quarter sales, attributing the decline to softer consumer demand in key regions and the lingering effects of its turnaround plan. Despite the disappointing quarter, the company expressed optimism for a second-half improvement, which provided a glimmer of hope for retail investors. Meanwhile, Sovereign Metals announced a pre-tax net present value of $2 billion for its Kasiya critical minerals project in Malawi, a significant milestone for the AIM-listed firm.
Closer to home, Gooch & Housego flagged that its trading for the financial year ending 30 September would be more heavily weighted towards the fourth quarter than previously anticipated, though full-year expectations remained unchanged. This update suggests a cautious but steady outlook for the optical components manufacturer. The mixed corporate updates highlight the varied challenges and opportunities facing UK-listed companies in the current economic climate.
As always, investors are reminded that information from sources like Sharecast is for general use only and does not constitute financial advice. With ongoing volatility in global markets, staying informed through reliable news and analysis remains crucial for making sound investment decisions.
Shimanta Das 
