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Stock market movements in April spotlighted: Top gainers and decliners disclosed; Stock exchanges swayed by Trump's import taxes.

Major oil and gas companies in the UK have experienced significant declines in stock market value during the past month, following turbulence in global markets resulting from trade tariffs imposed by the U.S.

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Stock market movements in April spotlighted: Top gainers and decliners disclosed; Stock exchanges swayed by Trump's import taxes.

The last month has seen shares in Britain's major oil and gas companies take a hit on the London Stock Exchange, as global markets have been affected by US trade tariffs. However, the FTSE 100 has managed to claw back a 0.1% gain since April 2nd, thanks to the appealing 'defensive' qualities of London's blue-chip index.

BP has been the hardest hit of the FTSE 100 Index, with a 20.7% drop, while Shell follows closely behind with a 14.2% decline. These companies, who have recently released their first-quarter financials, have seen their shares fall due to lower oil prices and increased trade tensions weighing on the global economic outlook.

A barrel of Brent Crude currently stands at $61.8, a 11.8% fall over the past month, and West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures are 12.2% lower at $59.8 per barrel. Ithaca Energy shares have also dropped by 18%, with Harbour Energy performing even worse than BP and Shell, seeing a 30% drop in value.

John Wood Group has experienced the steepest descent among FTSE 250 firms, dropping by 40% despite a takeover offer from Dubai-based Sidara. Other companies that have experienced significant declines include 4imprint Group and Watches of Switzerland, both of which fell following President Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcements.

Paul Moody, chairman of merchandise seller 4imprint, expressed concern about the potential impact of additional import duties on sales, as his company saw a slightly weaker order intake in January and February. Meanwhile, the US Government's plans to impose 31% tariffs on Swiss products pose a severe threat to the luxury goods market's health.

Retail stocks have been the saving grace of the London market, with discount chain B&M leading the way as the blue-chip index's best performer for the past month, jumping by 23.5%. Shares soared after the group announced it expects annual profits to surpass the mid-range of guidance due to new store openings and strong trading in France.

Sainsbury's comes in a close second, rising by 16.1%, with other retail giants like JD Sports, Tesco, and B&Q owner Kingfisher following closely behind. Within the FTSE 250, Currys leads the pack with a 27.5% increase, boosted by solid sales during the Black Friday and Christmas periods and raising its earnings outlook for the second time this year.

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon and low-cost airline Wizz Air also feature in the top ten fastest-growing mid-cap companies for April, representing a diverse mix of sectors. By contrast, the FTSE 100's winning streak can largely be attributed to the popularity of retail stocks, as investors show a preference for the UK market, exhibit caution with U.S. assets, due to their perceived volatility, and the unpredictable policymaking at the White House.

  1. The fossil fuel industry, specifically Britain's major oil and gas companies, have experienced a decline in stock prices on the London Stock Exchange, with BP and Shell being the hardest hit.
  2. These companies, after releasing their first-quarter financials, have seen their shares fall due to lower oil prices and increased trade tensions affecting the global economic outlook.
  3. In contrast, retail stocks have been the saving grace of the London market, with discount chain B&M performing exceptionally well, and others like Sainsbury's, JD Sports, Tesco, and B&Q owner Kingfisher also showing significant growth.
  4. Ithaca Energy and Harbour Energy have also suffered drops in value, mirroring the decline in oil prices. John Wood Group, despite a takeover offer, has experienced the steepest descent among FTSE 250 firms.
  5. Retail stocks' growth can largely be attributed to investors showing a preference for the UK market, exhibiting caution with U.S. assets due to their perceived volatility, and the unpredictable policymaking at the White House.
  6. Additionally, sectors like luxury goods and merchandise sellers are at risk due to potential import duties and tariffs, as shown by the case of 4imprint Group.
Major British oil and gas companies' shares have marked the most significant declines on the London Stock Exchange in the previous month, due to the impact of U.S. trade tariffs causing turbulence in worldwide markets.
U.S. trade tariffs have instigated turbulence in global markets, particularly affecting the stocks of leading oil and gas producers in Britain during the past month on the London Stock Exchange.
London Stock Exchange endures rout as leading oil and gas companies suffer losses due to U.S. trade tariffs sending shockwaves through international markets.

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