Stock Market Fluctuations in April Unveiled: Top Gains and Losses Amidst Trump's Tariff Turmoil
Turmoil in Oil Markets:
The London Stock Exchange has seen a turbulent month, particularly for Britain's largest oil and gas producers, as US trade tariffs have caused global market chaos. However, the FTSE 100 index has managed a 0.1% gain since Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day.'
BP, the FTSE 100 Index's largest faller, has dropped a staggering 20.7%, while Shell, the third-biggest faller, has declined by 14.2%. The decline in these share prices can be attributed to lower oil prices and the uncertain outlook for the global economy due to trade tensions.
A barrel of Brent Crude currently costs $61.8, a monthly fall of 11.8%, and West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures are down 12.2% at $59.8 per barrel. This downturn has also affected shares of Ithaca Energy, which have dropped by 18%, and Harbour Energy, which have plummeted by approximately 30%.
Interestingly, only oilfield services provider John Wood Group has experienced a greater descent among FTSE 250 firms, diving by 40%, despite receiving an uplift after Dubai-based rival Sidara made a takeover offer.
Other stocks that have plummeted include 4imprint Group and Watches of Switzerland, which both fell dramatically in the immediate aftermath of Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff remarks.
Paul Moody, chairman of merchandise seller 4imprint, expressed concerns about the potential impact of extra import duties on sales. For Watches of Switzerland, the US Government's plan to impose 31% tariffs on Swiss products - though currently suspended - poses a serious threat to the luxury goods market.
On a positive note, the FTSE 100 was led by B&M, the blue-chip index's strongest performer over the past month, which rose by 23.5%. Shares soared after the group announced that it expects annual profits to exceed the mid-range of guidance due to new store openings and strong trading in France.
Currys tops the list among FTSE 250 companies, with a 27.5% increase. This surge in earnings was driven by attracted solid sales during the Black Friday and Christmas periods.
Investors seem to be drawn to the 'defensive' qualities of the FTSE 100, showing more caution towards US assets due to their potential volatility and the erratic policymaking at the White House.
Enrichment Data:- Shell reported stronger-than-expected Q1 2025 results with adjusted earnings of $5.58 billion ($0.92/share), announcing a $3.5 billion share buyback.- BP reported Q1 underlying profit of $1.4 billion, reduced buybacks amid economic uncertainties, with no specific share price data available.- Both companies face pressures from lower oil prices and US trade tariff uncertainties. Shell is pivoting towards upstream gas expansion, while maintaining renewables investments. BP prioritizes debt management.
- The ongoing turmoil in oil markets, evidenced by the decline in stocks like BP and Shell, is partly due to lower oil prices and uncertain trade tensions, as reflected in the FTSE 100 index.
- While Shell has reported stronger-than-expected Q1 2025 results, the company is still impacted by lower oil prices and US trade tariff uncertainties, prompting them to announce a $3.5 billion share buyback.
- The FTSE 100, despite the oilfield declines, has managed to gain 0.1% since Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day,' reflecting a growing interest in 'defensive' assets due to the perceived volatility of US assets and the erratic policymaking at the White House.
- On the other hand, some non-oil related stocks such as 4imprint Group and Watches of Switzerland have plummeted, with concerns about potential impacts of extra import duties on sales and tariffs on Swiss products, respectively.
