FTSE 100 Holds Steady as Convatec, Croda Shine

Standard Chartered, Rentokil Initial disappoint as market focuses on earnings reports

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The FTSE 100 index closed down just 4.15 points at 10,680.59 on Tuesday, with the FTSE 250 and AIM All-Share also ending the day lower. Convatec and Croda were among the top performers, with Convatec jumping 10% after raising its mid-term guidance and Croda rising 7.6% on the back of higher sales and profit margin expectations. However, Standard Chartered and Rentokil Initial fell as their earnings reports failed to impress investors.

Why it matters

The mixed performance of the FTSE 100 and other UK indexes reflects the ongoing concerns surrounding issues like AI disruption and tariffs, as well as the importance of corporate earnings in driving market sentiment. The contrasting fortunes of companies like Convatec, Croda, Standard Chartered, and Rentokil Initial highlight the need for investors to closely monitor individual stock performance amidst broader market conditions.

The details

Convatec raised its organic revenue growth target to a range of 6% to 8% for 2027, up from 5% to 7% previously, citing successful implementation of its strategy, recent product launches, and a rich product pipeline. Croda also performed well, with sales rising 4.4% to £1.70 billion and adjusted pretax profit improving 8.4% to £276.2 million. In contrast, Standard Chartered's larger buyback and stronger dividend than expected was offset by a profit miss and concerns around costs, while Rentokil Initial was downgraded by Deutsche Bank Research.

  • The FTSE 100 index closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Convatec reported its annual results on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Croda reported its annual results on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Standard Chartered reported its earnings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Rentokil Initial was downgraded by Deutsche Bank Research on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Convatec

A London-based medical products and technologies provider that raised its mid-term organic revenue growth guidance.

Croda

A Yorkshire, England-based specialty chemicals maker that reported higher sales and profit margin expectations for 2028.

Standard Chartered

A bank that reported a larger buyback and stronger dividend than expected, but also a profit miss and concerns around costs.

Rentokil Initial

A company that was downgraded by Deutsche Bank Research from 'buy' to 'hold' due to potential for disappointing near-term growth and uncertainty around the new CEO's plan.

Deutsche Bank Research

The research division of Deutsche Bank that downgraded Rentokil Initial.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The mixed performance of the FTSE 100 and other UK indexes highlights the importance of closely monitoring individual stock performance amidst broader market conditions. While some companies like Convatec and Croda are thriving, others like Standard Chartered and Rentokil Initial are facing challenges, underscoring the need for investors to carefully assess the fundamentals and outlook of each business.