Its been a long time coming, but the FTSE 100 could finally break through 7,000 points next week. Many other indices around the world have already made new record highs, but the Footsie has yet to surpass the 6,930 points at which it closed on 31 December 1999.
However, weve seen the UKs elite index above 6,900 several times during trading in the last few days, so it would only take a 1.5% rise to breach 7,000.
Results season for companies with a December year end gets into full swing next week, and a number of the FTSE 100s big hitters will be reporting.
HSBC (LSE: HSBA), Lloyds (LSE: LLOY),Royal Bank of Scotland (LSE: RBS),British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) andBHP Billiton (LSE: BLT) together represent around 15% of the index. So, these five companies alone have clout to shift the dial.
HSBC kicks off proceedings on Monday. The company was fairly upbeat in its Q3 statement, talking of continued progress and confidence in delivering further value for our shareholders. Nevertheless, market sentiment isnt currently in HSBCs favour, as indicated by a lowly forward P/E of 10.2 and dividend yield of 6%. Theres plenty of scope there for an upward re-rating of the shares, if the market likes what it hears on Monday.
BHP Billiton has a June year end, but reports half-year results on Tuesday. The mining giant, which also has significant petroleum interests, has been hit both by weak metals prices and the collapse in the oil price over the past six months. The shares are some 25% lower than last summer. With analysts expecting full-year earnings to be down 40%, Tuesdays half-year results wont be pretty, but a less-bad-than-feared performance could be enough to give the shares a lift.
British American Tobacco (BAT) and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) both have full-year results scheduled for Thursday. The shares of BAT arent prone to big swings, but the companys forward P/E of 16.5 is currently lower than some other companies in the steady consumer goods sector Diageo and Unilever, for example so theres some scope for a rise from the tobacco group on a decent set of results.
RBSs shares can make big leaps on occasions, and did so last July when the companys performance was so far ahead of market expectations that management was obliged to release a preliminary statement ahead of its official half-year results. A forecast-beating second half could see another top-of-the-share-risers day for RBS.
The market has been waiting with bated breath for months to learn whether Lloyds will get permission from the regulator to resume paying dividends. City experts are divided on whether the company will be able to announce a (token) dividend with its results on Friday. Good news on this front, and the announcement of a formal dividend policy going forward, could see a decent uplift in the share price.
So, with plenty of potential for these five heavyweight companies to shift the Footsie dial upwards and a host of other blue chips also reporting results (including Persimmon, Old Mutual and Reed Elsevier) I reckon theres a fairchance we could see the index finally break through 7,000.
That would be confirmation — if confirmation is needed — that despite the occasional major bear market, as we saw in 2008/9, investing in shares pays off in the long run, and can help secure your financial future.
To help Britain invest better, the Motley Fool has published a FREE guide: “10 Steps To Making A Million In The Market“.
This free guide comes with no obligation, and can be in your inbox immediately — simply click here now.
Get FREE Issues of The Motley Fool Collective
Get straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock markets, direct to your inbox. Help yourself with our FREE email newsletter designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio wealth.
By providing your email address, you consent to receiving further information on our goods and services and those of our business partners. To opt-out of receiving this information click here. All information provided is governed by our Privacy Statement.
G A Chester has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended HSBC Holdings. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.