London, Jan 20, 2026, 08:45 GMT — Regular session
- RELX shares slipped in early London trading while European equities remained under pressure
- Fresh filings have put the company’s steady buyback pace back in the spotlight
- Investors are now focused on February results as their next key catalyst
RELX (REL.L) shares slipped 0.3% to 3,005 pence by 0845 GMT, as European stocks edged lower amid fresh U.S. tariff concerns. 1
The information and analytics group is typically seen as a defensive stock in the FTSE 100, yet it hasn’t escaped the week’s broader risk-off selling. Even a steady flow of capital-return announcements hasn’t shielded it from the pressure.
Kyle Rodda, senior market analyst at Capital.com, said markets are hoping the standoff ends up “self-limiting,” but he flagged the risk of “a potentially disruptive standoff” between the U.S. and the EU. Henry Cook, MUFG’s Europe economist, added that “tariff uncertainty will remain elevated,” even if tensions ease. 2
RELX dropped 2.6% on Monday, closing at 30.14 pounds and underperforming the FTSE 100’s modest 0.4% decline, according to MarketWatch data. The stock finished roughly 28% beneath its 52-week peak, with trading volume noticeably below recent averages. 3
RELX revealed in a stock exchange filing Monday that it purchased 307,528 shares via UBS, which it will hold in treasury. The volume-weighted average price was 3,040.9270 pence. Since January 2, the company has bought back 3.7 million shares. 4
A London Stock Exchange notice on Tuesday revealed that 55,000 RELX ordinary shares were admitted to trading through a block admission. 5
Buybacks mean a company is using cash to repurchase its own stock. These shares then become treasury stock, which the company can either cancel or hold onto for later use. Investors keep an eye on buybacks as a clue to a company’s cash flow and strategic priorities.
According to its Reuters profile, RELX offers analytics and decision tools centered on information across Risk, Scientific, Technical & Medical, Legal, and Exhibitions sectors. 6
The downside is straightforward: should tariff threats become reality and markets remain volatile, investors may slash holdings—even in reliable earners. A weak earnings report or a cautious outlook at the next update would only deepen the selling pressure.
RELX’s next major checkpoint is its full-year results for the period ending Dec. 31, set for release on Feb. 12. Investors will be watching closely for updated guidance and any new information on capital returns. 7
