News
FTSE 100 closes at record as miners and banks rally
Rio Tinto and HSBC led gains after stronger Chinese industrial data and a firmer outlook for UK net interest income.
James Whitlock · 16 Oct 2026 · 2 min read
UK Equities Analyst · London
James Whitlock
James writes on UK energy, mining and banks. He previously worked in equity research in London and holds the CFA charter.
Articles by James Whitlock
AnalysisOwner Yield · Premium
Shell: buybacks at this price are the best use of cash
At less than eight times free cash flow, Shell is retiring its own shares more cheaply than it could buy reserves.
James Whitlock · 13 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Analysis
Diageo: the destocking is over; the de-rating may not be
North American inventories have normalised, but the market is right to question long-term spirits growth.
James Whitlock · 9 Oct 2026 · 5 min read