JD Sports Fashion Needs to Show Improvement in U.S. -- Market Talk
1357 GMT - JD Sports Fashion's turnaround of its fortunes in the U.S. seems key to improve investor confidence, Shore Capital Markets analysts David Hughes and Clive Black say. The U.K. sneaker and fashion retailer reported a slowdown in October sales, particularly in its home market and the U.S., due to elevated promotional activity and mild weather. "Despite this set back we remain positive on the medium-term outlook," they write in a note. The analysts add that the group's decision to protect margins by not chasing short-term sales through increased promotions shows a mature long-term strategy. Shares are up 2.3% at 103.95 pence.
