UK retailers M&G and Marks & Spencer shares hit 52‑week highs

M&G plc (LON:MNG) saw its share price climb to a new 52‑week high, trading as high as GBX 365.40 and closing at GBX 362.66 on Thursday. Analysts from Citigroup, JPMorgan, Jefferies and UBS adjusted their price targets, with three issuing buy ratings and the consensus rating remaining a hold. The company, which manages assets for individuals and institutional investors, reported a market capitalisation of £8.69 billion.

Marks & Spencer Group plc (LON:MKS) also reached a fresh 52‑week high, trading up to GBX 418.32 and ending the session at GBX 409.40. Recent analyst coverage included buy ratings and target price upgrades from Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, Berenberg and Shore Capital. The retailer posted earnings of GBX 23.80 per share for the quarter, revenue of GBX 1,727.36 billion and a net margin of 1.5%. Both companies’ stock movements were accompanied by notable insider activity.

These price gains reflect renewed investor confidence in the two major UK consumer‑finance and retail firms amid broader market optimism.