Shaftesbury Capital delivered a strong first half of 2026, reporting higher earnings, rising property valuations, robust leasing activity, increased rental values and a higher interim dividend, underlining the resilience of its prime West End property portfolio.
Big Yellow Group’s latest trading update reinforces the long-term investment case. While occupancy remains below last year’s level, pricing power, disciplined management and a strong development pipeline continue to support steady shareholder returns.
The UK’s benchmark FTSE 100 index gained 0.27% to close at 10,600.37 points on Friday, lifted by utility stocks and British American Tobacco. In contrast, the midcap FTSE 250 fell 0.47%, and luxury retailer Burberry shares slid 6.38% following its first-quarter trading update.
The FTSE 100 closed higher after UK economic growth returned in May and ABB’s £4.1bn acquisition of Rotork lifted sentiment across London’s engineering sector. Investors remained cautious as global technology weakness and geopolitical risks continued to influence markets.