FTSE 250 Best and Worst Performers of 2022 Revealed

Summary:
• Which are the best and worst performers in the FTSE 250 index? We explain why companies like Royal Mail have slipped and what to expect.

The FTSE 250 index rebound has faded as investors continue worrying about the rising fears of a recession and margin compression. The index is trading at 20,485, which is about 10.95% above the lowest level in March. However, the price is also about 15% below the highest level in 2021, meaning that it has lagged the blue-chip FTSE 250 index.

FTSE 250 top laggards

Most companies in the FTSE 250 indices have been in the red this year. Genus PLC, the animal genetics company, has been the worst performer as its stock has dropped by more than 47%. It is followed by Ferrexpo, which is the third-biggest exporter of iron ore pellets in the world. The Ferrexpo share price has declined by more than 45% this year because of the crisis in Ukraine. The firm has a large presence in Ukraine, where its three mines are about 350km east of Kyiv.

The third-worst performer in the FTSE 250 is Capita PLC, whose stock has fallen by 45% as its consulting business has slowed. Companies like Aston Martin, Marks & Spencer, 888 Holdings, and Royal Mail are other notable laggards. The Royal Mail share price has dropped by over 33% as worries about the slowing e-commerce business. Greggs, DuneIm, and Wizz Air share prices have crashed by more than 20%. Other worst-performers in the FTSE 250 were IWG, Hays, PageGroup, and Savills.

FTSE 250 top gainers

This year, a handful of companies have had a strong performance, even as the FTSE 250 index has dropped. The most notable gainer is Tullow Oil, whose stock price has risen by over 16% as the price of crude oil has risen. Other energy stocks have done well. For example, Hunting shares have risen by over 65%, while Harbour Energy, Energean Oil & Gas, and Petroflac have all jumped. These shares have risen because of the rising crude oil and natural gas prices.

Meanwhile, Brewin Dolphin shares have jumped by over 35% after Canada’s RBC announced its plans to acquire the company for $2.6 billion. Likewise, Go-Ahead and Stagecoach share prices have risen as investors cheer the travel rebound.