FTSE 100 Climbs: BP Flags Multi-Billion Dollar Impairments, Pearson Shares Slide

The FTSE 100 rose 0.3% on Wednesday, supported by broad-based gains across blue-chip stocks. The DAX added 0.1% and the CAC 40 climbed 0.5%.

BP shares slipped about 1.1% after the company issued its fourth-quarter 2025 trading statement, cautioning investors about substantial post-tax adjusting items stemming from impairments.

The oil major said it expects charges of between $4 billion and $5 billion, largely tied to its transition businesses and equity-accounted entities. The update comes as BP continues to reorient its portfolio amid shifting global energy trends.

Pearson was the FTSE 100’s biggest decliner, falling roughly 5% despite reporting solid fourth-quarter momentum and full-year results that met guidance.

The education group delivered underlying sales growth of 4% for 2025, with fourth-quarter sales accelerating to 8%. The stock’s weakness suggests investors had hoped for a stronger outlook following the improved year-end performance.

Among individual movers, Endeavour Mining rose 2.3%, AstraZeneca gained 1.9% and Burberry climbed 1.9%, leading the risers. On the downside, Berkeley Group slid 2.4% and Smith & Nephew dropped 1.9%.

In corporate governance news, Prudential announced the appointment of Sir Douglas Flint CBE as Non-Executive Director and Chair-Designate. He will succeed Shriti Vadera following the company’s annual general meeting on May 28, 2026, when she will retire after six years on the board.