City hot on WPP as the AI juggernaut backs off

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

WPP shares rose 5.2% after major US AI developers called for a slowdown in AI advancements, easing concerns about the technology’s disruptive effects and boosting investor confidence in WPP’s restructuring under CEO Cindy Rose. The company also attracted positive analyst outlooks and is close to securing a significant media and technology account from Coca-Cola, highlighting its strengthened market position.

Shares in advertising group WPP led gains on the FTSE 250 on Tuesday as investor sentiment shifted amid reports that major US artificial intelligence developers had called for a slowdown in AI model advancement. The potential easing of rapid AI progress appeared to offer relief to companies perceived as vulnerable to the technology’s disruptive impact.

WPP’s stock increased 5.2 percent, rising 19 pence to 386¼ pence, driven not only by the broader market response to the AI news but also by positive analyst assessments of the company’s strategic direction under Chief Executive Cindy Rose. Having assumed leadership a year ago, Rose has initiated a comprehensive restructuring effort which has drawn favorable attention from financial analysts.

Deutsche Bank recently raised its price target for WPP shares from 425 pence to 555 pence while maintaining a “buy” rating. The bank cited AI as an opportunity rather than a threat for the company, highlighting improvements in profit margins reported in WPP’s latest financial results and praising Rose’s cost-cutting measures. Additionally, WPP is reportedly nearing the acquisition of a major international media, data, and technology account from Coca-Cola after competing firm Publicis withdrew from consideration, further bolstering investor confidence.

Elsewhere on the market, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) also saw significant gains. The FTSE 100-listed drugmaker’s shares rose 84 pence, or 4.7 percent, to £18.55 following the release of encouraging data from a recent study involving a new lung cancer treatment. The drug is part of a portfolio acquired through GSK’s $10.6 billion purchase of Nuvalent, a Boston-based cancer specialist, completed in July. This acquisition represents the largest biotech investment in GSK’s 26-year history, and the positive clinical results helped alleviate investor concerns regarding the price paid.

The broader FTSE 100 index closed modestly higher by 47.1 points, or 0.4 percent, at 10,697.57, while the more domestically oriented FTSE 250 declined 141 points, or 0.6 percent, ending the day at 23,834.48. The mixed performance underscored continued market volatility amid evolving perspectives on AI’s impact across various sectors.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.