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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

UK housebuilder stocks fall as regulator investigates competition breach

UK housebuilders Barratt, Bellway, Berkeley, Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Vistry, Redrow and Bloor Homes were named by the UK competition regulator on Monday as part of an investigation into information sharing.

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As a result, shares in the companies listed fell 1% to 2% in early trade as the CMA said it found evidence which indicated some housebuilders may be sharing commercially sensitive information with their competitors, which could be influencing the build-out of sites and the prices of new homes. However, the CMA said it is yet to reach a conclusion on the matter. IGTV’s Angela Barnes takes a look at the impact on share prices.

(AI Video Summary)

UK housebuilding companies

Several well-known UK housebuilding companies are currently experiencing a decrease in their stock prices. This drop in value comes after news broke that eight of these companies are under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for sharing sensitive information. The investigation was launched by the CMA as part of its efforts to understand why there is a shortage of new homes being built in the UK.

The CMA's investigation

The housebuilders involved in the investigation include Barrett, Bellway, Berkeley, Blore Homes, Poseidon Retro, Taylor, Wimpy, and Vistri. As a result of the investigation, the stock prices of these companies have taken a hit. For example, Vistri's shares have dropped by 0.93%, Berkeley's shares are down by just over 1%, Taylor Wimpy's shares have fallen by 2.02%, and Simon's shares are down by nearly 2%. Barrett Developments has also seen a decline of 0.13%.

The CMA's investigation suggests that these housebuilders may have been sharing commercially sensitive information with their competitors, which could potentially affect the construction of new homes and their prices. However, the CMA has not yet determined if any competition laws have been violated. Despite this investigation, the CMA does not believe that information sharing is the main reason for the shortage of new homes. Instead, the regulator is concerned about its potential impact on competition within the market.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

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