FTSE 100 movers: Pearson boosted by JPM note; BAE Systems falls
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Wednesday 10 Dec 2025
(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was up 0.2% at 9,665.21 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Educational publisher Pearson was the top gainer on the index after JPMorgan lifted its price target on the 'overweight' rated shares to 1,440p from 1,330p.
The bank said labour market disruption would benefit the company as job losses are likely to push more people into education.
It also said that job losses linked to AI would lead to a countercyclical increased demand for US higher education and training. This would boost demand for the company's products.
JPM said Pearson's integrated digital and assessment products and trusted brands will also protect it from AI encroachment, while AI could inspire more lifelong learning.
Berkeley Group gained even as the housebuilder posted weaker interim revenues and profits amid a "very challenging" macroeconomic and regulatory environment.
Revenues came in at £1.2bn in the six months to 31 October, down from £1.3bn a year previously, while pre-tax profits fell 7.7% to £254m. However, net cash was £5m higher, at £342m, and net asset value per share rose 5% to £37.63.
The firm also said it remained on track to meet full-year profit guidance.
WPP rose for the second day in a row, having surged on Tuesday after the advertising giant reportedly secured a major government contract worth around £2bn.
Defence firm BAE Systems fell after US President Donald Trump issued ultimatums for Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept his peace plan by Christmas.
FTSE 100 - Risers
Pearson (PSON) 1,033.50p 2.89%
Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 3,682.00p 2.85%
Scottish Mortgage Inv Trust (SMT) 1,130.50p 2.82%
HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 1,089.80p 2.04%
Rio Tinto (RIO) 5,640.00p 2.03%
Tesco (TSCO) 447.10p 1.61%
Weir Group (WEIR) 2,902.00p 1.61%
Standard Chartered (STAN) 1,694.50p 1.53%
WPP (WPP) 321.40p 1.32%
Antofagasta (ANTO) 2,955.00p 1.16%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
BAE Systems (BA.) 1,694.50p -1.85%
CRH (CDI) (CRH) 9,230.00p -1.81%
Halma (HLMA) 3,564.00p -1.71%
Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,175.00p -1.67%
Smurfit Westrock (DI) (SWR) 2,644.00p -1.64%
Land Securities Group (LAND) 589.00p -1.51%
Ashtead Group (AHT) 4,730.00p -1.40%
SSE (SSE) 2,111.00p -1.36%
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (DI) (CCEP) 6,750.00p -1.32%
Severn Trent (SVT) 2,716.00p -1.16%
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