Tesco shares slide as Christmas update disappoints despite profit outlook lift
London, January 8, 2026, 08:40 (GMT) — Regular session Tesco PLC (TSCO.L) shares slid on Thursday after the grocer nudged its profit outlook higher but reported a slower pace of sales growth over Christmas and a deeper drop at its Booker wholesale arm. The stock was down 21.3 pence, or 4.7%, at 431.3 pence in early deals. The Christmas statement lands at an awkward moment for UK food retailers. They are trying to hold margins while keeping prices sharp enough to fend off discounters, with shoppers still split between “treat” spending and belt-tightening. There is also a wider read-through. Industry