Japan and Switzerland’s economies contract as exports are hit by US tariffs; Alphabet shares jump after Warren Buffett reveals stake – as it happened
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Although WPP's shares have slipped back a little (+3.7%), they're still leading the FTSE 100 risers.
AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould sums up the situation:
Executives at embattled advertising agency WPP have recently been snapping up shares in the company and it seems they may not be the only ones who see value in the business. There is speculation about a bid from French rival Havas and private equity firms reportedly looking to pick off bits of the business.
After years when it felt like WPP's shares had been suffering a slow puncture, the tyre has burst in stock market terms for the company in 2025. This led to the departure of CEO Mark Read and investors in the US apparently being rallied by law firms for a class action lawsuit alleging they were misled about the state of the business.
This better-than-expected performance was initially due to a surge in exports ahead of anticipated tariff increases, but investment in equipment and intangible assets also performed more strongly than expected - most notably in Ireland, but also in other countries.
Continued growth in the third quarter is testimony to the resilience of the European economy and its ability to navigate unprecedented shocks.
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