FTSE 100 Live: House prices fall; Shell eyes earnings boost; B&M takes hit

Good morning from the CityAM liveblog team.

Last week, PM Keir Starmer appeared to leave Labour conference on a high — seeing off threats to his leadership and resetting relations with members. But back in London, things are not quite as rosy.

As we report today, UK dealmakers’ faith in the economy has slumped to its lowest in nine years with executives blaming a string of policy blunders and a sluggish deal environment for weighing on market activity.

Over half of Britain’s private equity and corporate finance bosses feel negative about the next 18-24 months, according to a fresh poll of the sector which also found 72 per cent of the buyout industry saying the government is “not doing a good job”.

The damning assessment of the UK’s political leadership was the weakest score recorded since the annual study by consultancy firm CIL began nine years ago.

Today’s front page also shows Reform UK has extended its lead over Labour in the polls as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approval ratings remained the worst of any top British political figure.

The latest monthly CityAM/Freshwater Strategy poll shows Nigel Farage’s Reform UK gaining two points in voter share since September, hitting 35 per cent. 

Labour follow in second with a polling share of 20 per cent while the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats are on 18 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. 

Can next month’s Budget turn things around?

Here’s a summary of our top stories from Monday:

• Shawbrook confirms IPO plans as listings revival gathers pace
• Tariffs and economic pressure drive slowdown at Aston Martin
• Jaguar Land Rover restarts engine production after cyberattack
• Autumn Budget: Another major NICs tax raid on the cards, economists warn
• London City Airport’s profit has almost doubled
• French borrowing costs surge as political crisis deepens
• Asda credit card firm warns of ‘material uncertainty’ over going concern status