FTSE 250 movers: Vistry tanks, oil stocks slip
4th Mar 2026 14:48
(Sharecast News) - FTSE 250 (MCX) 22,828.82 0.59%
Vistry shares tanked on Wednesday as the UK housebuilder said 2026 profit margins would be lower and chief executive and chair Greg Fitzgerald announced his retirement.
Shares in the firm fell by a quarter at one point. Fitzgerald will retire as CEO next March and chair this May after 45 years in the housebuilding sector - the two roles will be separated after his departure.
Group profit margins for 2026 were expected to be lower as Vistry offers targeted pricing and incentives to support sales amid subdued private-buyer demand.
The company, formerly Bovis Homes, on Wednesday reported adjusted pre-tax profits rose 2% to £268m despite a challenging market and uncertainty ahead of the government's Budget in November.
"Market conditions were broadly unchanged versus 2024, with affordability and slower-than-expected rate cuts weighing on buyer confidence," the company said in a statement.
Fellow housebuilder Bellway fell on the sector sentiment.
Ithaca and Harbour Energy both fell in line with a slightly weaker oil price.
Oxford Nanopore rallied after a sharp fall on Monday in response to a weaker growth outlook.
FTSE 250 - Risers
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) 120.00p 5.13%
Oxford Instruments (OXIG) 2,700.00p 4.84%
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 42.08p 4.47%
Ceres Power Holdings (CWR) 302.60p 4.20%
Ocado Group (OCDO) 203.40p 4.17%
PPHE Hotel Group Ltd (PPH) 1,756.00p 4.03%
Discoverie Group (DSCV) 610.00p 3.73%
Morgan Advanced Materials (MGAM) 209.00p 3.72%
Carnival (CCL) 2,152.00p 3.71%
Abrdn (ABDN) 206.20p 3.52%
FTSE 250 - Fallers
Vistry Group (VTY) 486.40p -23.48%
Ithaca Energy (ITH) 239.00p -3.04%
Pinewood Technologies Group (PINE) 282.50p -2.75%
Genuit Group (GEN) 350.00p -2.64%
Harbour Energy (HBR) 265.40p -2.49%
Genus (GNS) 2,735.00p -2.32%
IG Group Holdings (IGG) 1,319.00p -2.30%
Bellway (BWY) 2,486.00p -2.28%
Quilter (QLT) 183.00p -1.82%
Breedon Group (BREE) 339.20p -1.68%