UK-listed companies issued 65 profit warnings in the three months to September, the highest in two years, driven by Middle East conflict and rising costs. Housebuilders have issued more warnings this year than during the 2008 financial crisis.
01Summary
- 01EY-Parthenon recorded 65 profit warnings from UK-listed firms in the three months to end of September.
- 02Housebuilders have issued 14 profit warnings in 2026, surpassing the 10 issued in 2008.
- 03Rising costs were a leading factor for 35% of warnings; 38% cited the Middle East conflict.
- 04Average two-year fixed mortgage rates rose to 5.55% from 5.29% last month.
- 05Rightmove reported house prices fell 0.1% over the past 12 months.
02Why it matters
The surge in profit warnings and rising mortgage rates signal increasing financial strain on businesses and households, which may be addressed in the upcoming budget but with limited government resources.
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