Oct 12, 2026 · 6 min
European shares split as hiring, food and gaming diverge
Hays Falls, Cranswick Gains, Hacksaw Slumps
The episode shows how weak labor demand, analyst confidence and slowing gaming revenue can drive sharply different market reactions.
- 1Hays remains under pressure as permanent recruitment weakness weighs on its results.
- 2Cranswick gains after Peel Hunt upgrades the stock and raises its price target.
- 3Hacksaw plunges as slower third-quarter revenue growth exposes softer gaming conditions.
Don't miss
Hacksaw suffers a sharp share-price decline after weaker-than-expected third-quarter revenue growth.
The brief
European shares move in opposite directions as investors weigh company-specific signals, from weak permanent recruitment at Hays to stronger expectations for Cranswick.
Louise Moon explains why continued softness in permanent hiring is keeping pressure on Hays, while Cranswick benefits from a Peel Hunt upgrade to buy.
Hacksaw takes the sharpest hit after third-quarter revenue growth falls short of expectations, with softer market conditions and lower gaming performance blamed.
The episode then shifts from daily market moves to the longer horizon of smart cities, examining how AI and innovation could reshape urban systems.
Economy of Scale previews Dubai’s response to rapid population growth through technology and long-term planning, extending the episode’s focus from company growth to urban growth.
Books & mentions
Economy of Scale
Its smart-cities discussion extends the episode’s preview of AI, innovation and long-term urban planning.