The Mail 18/11/19

Hedge funds have laid hundreds of millions of pounds of bets against companies that could come under attack if Jeremy Corbyn gains power. More than £700million of shares have been ‘shorted’ across major companies that could face nationalisation or the loss of public sector contracts. Data from the Financial Conduct Authority shows that 9%, or £225million, of the shares of Babcock International Group (BAB) – a defence industry outsourcer that could lose work under Labour – are being shorted. Water firms Severn Trent (SVT) and United Utilities Group (UU.) have bets of £157million and £62million respectively taken out against them. Royal Mail (RMG) has a £114million short against it. Others that could be affected include British Gas owner Centrica (CNA) and outsourcer Capita (CPI).