London, Jan 19, 2026, 08:47 GMT — Regular session
- Unilever shares climbed roughly 0.7% in early London trading, defying the wider European selloff
- Markets jolted as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs linked to Greenland
- Investors are eyeing Unilever’s Feb. 12 earnings for clues on its growth and margin outlook
Unilever (ULVR.L) shares climbed roughly 0.7% to 4,793 pence in early London trade Monday, showing resilience amid risk-off headlines sweeping Europe. The stock has slipped about 1.4% year to date.
The pan-European STOXX 600 slid 1.3%, while London’s FTSE 100 dipped 0.4% following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose more tariffs if the U.S. isn’t allowed to buy Greenland. Trump announced a 10% tariff starting Feb. 1 on goods from several European countries, set to jump to 25% on June 1 if no agreement is reached. U.S. markets were closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. ING economists noted, “The rationale for higher tariffs is now even more political and less economic.” Reuters
Timing is crucial for Unilever investors. Consumer staples—firms selling everyday essentials—often attract buyers during bouts of market jitters. Yet, that same churn can rattle currency markets and shake up pricing expectations for global companies.
Unilever is a global consumer goods company with a diverse portfolio covering personal care, home care, and foods. Its personal care lineup includes brands like Dove and TRESemme, while in home care, it owns names such as Cif and Domestos.
Unilever’s next major event is the release of its full-year results. The company plans to report fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 figures on Feb. 12. CEO Fernando Fernandez is also scheduled to present at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference on Feb. 17.
Before releasing its results, Unilever directed investors to a “pre-close aide-mémoire”—a summary of already disclosed or public information—and stressed it offers no new trading update or guidance. The company is gathering analyst consensus to share at a later date. Unilever
Traders are watching closely for signs of how much of last year’s price gains have endured, if volumes are picking up, and what Unilever reveals about input costs and promotions in its main markets.
There’s a risk angle here, too. Safe-haven flows surged after the tariff threat, with analysts cautioning that uncertainty may linger even if the details shift. Vishnu Varathan, head of macro research at Mizuho, said it “throws the so-called agreements out of the window.” Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo, warned that “uncertainty can make companies delay capex and supply-chain decisions” — capex being capital spending. Reuters
Unilever is navigating a significant shakeup. After spinning off its Magnum ice cream unit in December, the company completed an 8-for-9 share consolidation, Reuters reported.
The calendar lays it out plainly, though the tape less so: all eyes on Trump’s Feb. 1 tariff deadline for signs of follow-through. Then comes Unilever’s Feb. 12 earnings report, offering a fresh snapshot of sales growth and margins.
