FTSE declines as big hitters go ex-dividend, easyJet sags on CE departure - Market Report

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The FTSE 100 fell in early trading as a string of companies went ex-dividend, while news from easyJet appeared to disappoint. Shell, BP, GSK, Tesco, Unilever and Kingfisher pushed the blue-chip index lower as they began to trade without the value of their next dividend payment, resulting in a temporary lowering of share prices. In addition, easyJet took an early morning hit after it was revealed its chief executive would be leaving at the start of next year, being replaced by current finance chief Kenton Jarvis. Johan Lundgren worked as the boss of the airline for seven years, most recently overseeing its return to the FTSE 100. One stock which pushed higher was BT after it lifted its dividend higher despite earnings coming in below expectations. New boss Allison Kirkby said that the telco achieved its £3 billion cost-cutting programme a year ahead of schedule and therefore nudged the final dividend 3.9% higher. #ProactiveInvestors #marketreport #ftse #ftse100 #footsie #easyjet #shell #hbp #gsk #unilever #kingfisher #bt #dividend #exdividend #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews