2016 has been a tough year for the FTSE 100, with Britain’s vote to Leave the European Union having a big – if a little short-lived – impact on both share prices and the economy. But six months on from the worst day traders had seen for years, which stocks have recovered – and which are still having difficulties?
Top Risers
1) Glencore (LON:GLEN)
Oil giant Glencore has had a rocky year, with shares prices hitting rock bottom in January as the price of oil slumped. It has been forced to sell several assets over the course of the year to keep afloat; however, with an OPEC output cut agreed in November, the oil market has begun to stabilize. Glencore has now soared in price, up 88.28 percent on this time six months ago.
2) Anglo American (LON:AAL)
Another oil company with a similar story, Anglo American suffered heavy losses at the start of the year as it felt the effects of weak oil prices and a stock market crash in China. Now, however, Anglo is at number 2 on the list of the FTSE 100’s biggest gainers, up 67.10 percent on six months ago.
3) Barclays (LON:BARC)
Barclays suffered heavy losses in the wake of June’s Brexit vote, as investors feared the passporting rights of British banks would be revoked. Barclays’ shares fell 33 percent in the two days following the vote, alongside several other banks. However, its restructuring has gone to plan and proved positive and, alongside an increase in investor sentiment, its shares have seen a steady increase in price. They are now up 60.7 percent since their June lows.
4) Antofagasta (LON:ANTO)
Copper mining company Antofagasta started 2016 on uneven footing, saying the previous year had been “difficult” and that it had missed several big production targets. However demand for the stock picked up throughout the year as investors began to recognise its potential; it is not 53.46 percent higher than this time six months ago.
5) Ashtead Group (LON:AHT)
Equipment rental company Ashtead operates across the United States, the UK and Canada. Just this month Credit Suisse raised its target price for the share up to 1,152 from 1,150 previously, signalling potential for the year ahead. In the last six months, the stock has moved up 50.33 percent.
And… fallers
1) The Capita Group (LON:CPI)
Capita Group shares fell to their lowest level in 10 years at the start of December, after a profit warning downgraded profit forecasts to around £515 million. Alongside this, the company announced a strategic review into operations and the sale of its asset services division. All this has meant the stock is currently down 44.34 percent on its price six months ago.
2) Mediclinic International (LON:MDC)
Private healthcare provider Mediclinic reached its lowest share price in 52 weeks at the beginning of December. The stock is now down 28.21 percent on its price six months ago.
3) Fresnillo (LON:FRES)
Fresnillo is a holding company mining silver, gold, lead and zinc which has fallen significantly over the past six months. After the Brexit vote investors flooded to buy gold, putting their money in a safe haven. However since then the markets have picked up, leaving Fresnillo high and dry. The stock is 24.32 percent lower than this time six months ago.