FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 shares to watch: Debenhams, Asos, Unilever, St. James Place

The FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices have rebounded over the past two weeks as European stocks have emerged as safer havens amid the ongoing trade war. The mid-cap FTSE 250 index rose to £19,250, up from this month’s low of £17,500. 

Similarly, the blue-chip FTSE 100 index has soared by almost 10% from its lowest level this month. This article looks at some of the top FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 index shares to watch next week.

Debenhams (DEBS)

Debenhams Group, formerly known as Boohoo, is one of the top FTSE 250 shares to watch next week as it releases its fourth-quarter results. 

These numbers come at a time when its stock has plummeted to 19p, much lower than its all-time high of 433.5p in June 2020. Its market cap has crashed to £280 million.

The company has faced significant challenges over the past few years. Growth has stalled, losses have mounted, and competition from the likes of Shein and Temu has increased. 

The most recent results showed that Boohoo’s revenue dropped by 15% in the first half of FY’25 to £620 million. Its EBITDA dropped by 11% to £21 million. The company pointed to higher gross margins, which rose to 50.7% and its decision to restructure its US operations.

Asos (ASC)

Asos is another top FTSE 250 stock to watch next week as it also releases its financial results. These results come at a time when its stock is attempting to bounce back. After falling to a low of 222.5p on March 19, the stock has soared by 40% to the current 313p. However, it remains much lower than last year’s high of 452p. 

Asos, like Boohoo, has gone through a rough patch as competition rose and demand waned. Its revenue to September 1 last year dropped by 16% to £2.89 billion, while the adjusted EBITDA and loss before taxes jumped by over 40%. 

The company is now hoping that its turnaround strategy will help it boost its sales. Its turnaround included measures like reducing inventory, a change in its commercial model that attracted a £100 million charge, and improving its balance sheet. Therefore, its earnings next week will provide more information about its business.

Unilever (ULVR)

Unilever is a top FTSE 100 stock to watch as it publishes its financial results. These numbers will come as the stock has jumped by 19.4% from its lowest level this month.

Unilever, like other companies in the consumer staples industry, has done relatively well during the ongoing trade war between the US and other countries. That’s because the company’s products are essential products. It has also navigated major crisis well in the past. 

The consensus among analysts is that its turnover rose to £15 billion, a 2.8% annual increase. This revenue figure will bring the first half figure to £31.5 billion.Its H1 net profit is expected to be £4.3 billion.

Read more: Top 4 defensive stocks to buy and hold ahead of Liberation Day

St. James Place (STJ)

St. James Place will be one of the top FTSE 100 shares to watch next week as it also releases its numbers. 

The company’s stock has jumped by over 130% from its lowest level in 2024 as it continued to attract assets from investors. 

Its recent results showed that the funds under management rose to £190.2 billion, a 13% annual increase. This growth occurred as the gross inflows for the year totaled £18.4 billion. 

Therefore, the upcoming results will provide more insight into its business and whether it is still attracting investment inflows. 

Read more: St. James Place share price rebounded: will the gains hold?

Other catalysts for the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250

The FTSE 250 and FTSE 100 indices will react to any potential news on trade from the Trump administration. A report that the UK and the US are negotiating will be a key catalyst. Also, the indices will react to Wall Street earnings from companies like Tesla, IBM, Google, and Procter & Gamble.