Darktrace, Avacta, Carnival & NatWest: 4 FTSE stocks to buy today

Highlights 

• Britain reported close to 50,000 cases on Monday, the highest since July 2021 despite mass vaccination drive across the country.
• The recent rise in cases has raised fear of another lockdown in the country, which can have a negative impact on the stock markets and the overall economy of the country.
• Darktrace Plc, Avacta Group Plc, Carnival Plc, NatWest Group Plc stocks are in focus today.

The Covid-19 infection is once again on the rise in the UK. Britain reported close to 50,000 cases on Monday, the highest since July 2021 despite mass vaccination drive across the country. Also, the death toll is in the range of 30 to 60 on a daily basis. Coronavirus cases in the UK are higher compared to other European countries.

The recent rise in cases has raised fear of another lockdown in the country. The UK economy has still not recovered from the previous lockdown impact and continues to face labour shortage and supply chain disruption. As a result, inflation in the country is at its peak level since 2012. Another lockdown will have a negative impact on the stock markets and the overall economy of the country.

Let us look at 4 FTSE listed stocks from varied industries and explore how they are performing.

Darktrace Plc (LON: DARK)

FTSE250 listed company operates in the cyber security segment. It serves over 4700 clients from different organisations to neutralise cyber threats using machine learning and AI technology.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, small and medium businesses have adopted a digital presence to overcome the pandemic and continue their business growth. At the same time, the threat of system hacking and online fraud has increased exponentially, making small businesses vulnerable to ransomware and online attacks. Darktrace Plc, with its new-age technology, helps businesses to nullify such threats. The company has been witnessing a constant rise in demand for its services. As a result, its client base rose by 42.7% at 5,975 clients in the first quarter of FY 2022.

Darktrace Plc shares trade at GBX 902, up by 3.09% on 19 October at 8:20 am GMT+1 with a market cap of £6,104 million.

Avacta Group Plc (LON:AVCT)

The company does research work to develop novel biotherapeutics to treat cancer based on Affimer technology. It also operates through the diagnostics division.

The company is currently doing pre-clinical trials to develop an effective treatment for rare cancer. Also, it has received approval for its AffiDX® SARS-CoV-2 antigen lateral flow test, which can detect the Delta variant virus. The product has received registration in the UK and European markets and product sales will begin soon through commercial partnerships.

Avacta Group Plc shares trade at GBX 120, down by 0.83% on 19 October at 8:20 am GMT+1 with a market cap of £306.9 million.

Carnival Plc (LON: CCL)

The company operates cruise line services across different tourist destinations globally. It provides cruise line services under various brands covering 700 ports.

The company is one of the largest cruise line companies in the world. The company has already started some of its cruise lines in the US and European countries and expects to start all services by April 2022 with support from the government and ports. Also, the company has completed its USD 2.3 billion term loan facility, which will be used to pay off existing debt and extend the maturity of the loan.

Carnival Plc shares trade at GBX 1,532.20, up by 0.07% on 19 October at 8:20 am GMT+1 with a market cap of £2,825 million.

NatWest Group Plc (LON: NWG)

The company provides financial services to individuals and businesses in the UK and other locations. It offers retail and commercial banking along with wealth management services.

The company has been a consistent performer. It reported total revenue of £5,319 million in the first half of 2021, while its operating profit was £2,505 million. The recent anticipation of an interest rate hike in the UK might benefit the bank as the rate hike will boost the company’s net interest income and net interest margin. 

NatWest Group Plc shares trade at GBX 232.80, down by 0.17% on 19 October at 8:20 am GMT+1 with a market cap of £26,639 million.