FTSE 100 movers: Prudential powers ahead; Westrock in the red
London's FTSE 100 was up 0.2% at 8,798.34 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Prudential surged to the top of the index after saying it was evaluating a potential listing of its Indian investment management joint venture ICICI Prudential Asset Management.
This would involve the partial divestment of its shares, subject to market conditions, requisite approvals and other considerations.
Prudential said that following completion of the potential divestment, net proceeds would be returned to shareholders.
It said a further update will be provided "at an appropriate time".
Prudential noted that India is a strategically important market for the group, with "compelling" growth prospects.
"We will continue to explore opportunities to grow our businesses in the market," it added.
Housebuilder Barratt Redrow also rallied after saying full-year earnings were set to be at the upper end of expectations following a jump in interim profits.
The company posted pre-tax profit of £117.2m, up 23% and lifted its dividend by a quarter to 5.5p a share.
Consensus estimates are for 2025 adjusted pre-tax profit of £542m, with a range of £506m to £588m.
On the downside, packaging firm Smurfit Westrock fell after results.
FTSE 100 - Risers
Prudential (PRU) 735.00p 7.68%
Barratt Redrow (BTRW) 455.70p 4.28%
Entain (ENT) 683.80p 3.61%
Croda International (CRDA) 3,121.00p 2.33%
Vodafone Group (VOD) 69.50p 1.88%
Schroders (SDR) 383.40p 1.81%
Barclays (BARC) 311.55p 1.66%
Flutter Entertainment (DI) (FLTR) 21,690.00p 1.64%
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 63.72p 1.46%
JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 86.88p 1.38%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
Smurfit Westrock (DI) (SWR) 4,086.00p -5.18%
CRH (CDI) (CRH) 8,024.00p -2.67%
Glencore (GLEN) 340.95p -2.49%
Games Workshop Group (GAW) 14,350.00p -2.11%
Centrica (CNA) 137.40p -1.86%
Fresnillo (FRES) 777.50p -1.64%
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 348.00p -1.64%
Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 115.30p -1.50%
Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 261.00p -1.29%
Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,776.00p -1.25%
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