FTSE 100 Called Lower as Public Sector Borrowing Surges in June; Compass Upgrades Guidance, ME Group Reports Interim Profit Growth

Compass Group has upgraded its full-year guidance following a strong Q3 performance, while ME Group reports double-digit interim profit growth. The UK's FTSE 100 is expected to open lower, driven by higher-than-expected public sector borrowing figures in June. Insurers have been told to improve their claims handling practices by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

Compass Group PLC, a global leader in food services, has announced upgraded full-year 2025 guidance following a strong third quarter performance. The company reported organic revenue growth of 8.6% in Q3 2025 and 8.5% year-to-date, with North America and International regions performing well [1]. Compass Group also announced an agreement to acquire Vermaat Groep B.V. for approximately €1.5 billion, further bolstering its market position [1].

Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 is expected to open lower following higher-than-expected public sector borrowing figures in June. UK public sector net borrowing totalled GBP20.68 billion in June, exceeding the FXStreet-cited consensus of GBP15.6 billion and up from GBP17.44 billion in May [3]. This is the second-highest June borrowing since records began in 1993, after the June 2020 figures [3].

In other news, insurers in the UK have been directed to improve their claims handling practices by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The regulator has highlighted issues with claims processes and the need for more efficient handling to ensure fair treatment of customers [2].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/compass-press-release-compass-group-q3-trading-update-2025-ce7c5cdcdc8df22d
[2] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2990203/iqst-iqstel-issues-recap-shareholder-letter-highlighting-2-debt-reduction-per-share-400-million-run-rate-in-q3-ahead-of-schedule-and-analyst-coverage-targeting-1822-price-range-iqst-stock
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/uk-public-sector-borrowing-higher-than-expected-in-june-ce7c5cdcdf8dff20