London, Jan 19, 2026, 19:29 (GMT) — Market closed.
- AstraZeneca shares slipped in London, following a wider risk-off trend.
- Trump’s fresh tariff threat targeting Britain and other European countries rattled sentiment as investors awaited a reaction.
- Company headlines feature an EU regulatory nod for Enhertu and a cell-therapy rights buyout in China.
AstraZeneca PLC shares ended Monday down 1.15%, slipping to 13,890 pence (£138.90) after a late selloff pushed the stock close to its session low. Throughout the day, the shares fluctuated between 13,890 and 14,186 pence. (Investing)
London equities dipped as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on Britain and seven other European countries. The FTSE 100 closed down 0.4%, reacting to Trump’s announcement that a 10% tariff would kick in Feb. 1, climbing to 25% by June 1 if the U.S. isn’t permitted to purchase Greenland. (Reuters)
Some investors shrugged off the chance that tariffs would hit as announced, yet still pulled back risk ahead of the close. “We doubt that (the tariffs) will be implemented as advertised,” said Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics. Reuters pointed out that thin U.S. holiday volumes might exaggerate the market swings. (Reuters)
AstraZeneca’s oncology segment remained in the spotlight after partner Daiichi Sankyo announced that Europe’s medicines regulator has validated a Type II variation application for Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) combined with pertuzumab. The treatment targets unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer as a first-line option. “This validation in the EU is an important step,” said Daiichi Sankyo R&D chief Ken Takeshita. In EU terms, validation means the filing is accepted, triggering a scientific review. (Nasdaq)
AstraZeneca moved to strengthen its hold on an early-stage cell therapy program. AbelZeta revealed that AstraZeneca will acquire its 50% stake in the China development and commercialization rights for C-CAR031. This deal hands AstraZeneca full global control and could be worth up to $630 million, including milestones. AbelZeta CEO Tony Liu said, “This transaction reflects our commitment … and provides the opportunity to maximize C-CAR031’s global reach.” (BioSpace)
Neither of the headlines managed to shake off the broader macro pressure. AstraZeneca, usually seen as a defensive heavyweight, slid alongside the rest of the market amid tariff chatter. The entire tape took a hit, dragging the stock down with it.
The risk for bulls is straightforward: if tariff threats turn into actual policy, sentiment could take a lasting hit, even among healthcare stocks. On another front, regulators may still block label expansions, while CAR-T programs targeting solid tumors continue to be expensive and uncertain.
Traders will be eyeing Tuesday’s session for signs of retaliation or a shift toward renewed talks from European leaders. Comments from Davos could also shake up the trade narrative. Sterling’s fluctuations will draw attention too, given their impact on UK-listed multinational companies.
AstraZeneca is gearing up for its next major event: the Q4 2025 earnings release and conference call set for Feb. 10. Investors will be tuning in for updates on guidance and progress in its late-stage pipeline. (Marketscreener)
