Loads of ink has been spilled over Brexit’s impression on FTSE 100 shares. Leaving the EU produced many challenges, however one of many touted advantages was the tantalising prospect of a commerce cope with the US — Britain’s largest single buying and selling accomplice.

Effectively, right here it’s! On Thursday (8 Might), President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer had been stuffed with mutual reward as they introduced the fruits of years of negotiation. The agreed financial deal was hailed as “full and comprehensive” by the White Home, and a “win for both countries” by Downing Avenue.

So, might this be a wonderful alternative for FTSE 100 traders? Or is the satan within the particulars?

One step ahead, two steps again?

In concept, FTSE 100 shares have a lot to realize from a UK-US commerce deal. The American market’s chargeable for round 30% of Footsie firms’ revenues. That’s significantly higher than another international area, and greater than home gross sales, too.

However London’s main benchmark barely budged on the information. It appears merchants weren’t satisfied in regards to the deal’s restricted scope. Its phrases received’t have an effect on most British imports and exports. The US 10% baseline tariff imposed on the UK stays in place.

There’s a reputable concern that the bilateral buying and selling surroundings for a lot of FTSE 100 corporations remains to be tougher than earlier than Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ levies, regardless of this settlement.

Nonetheless, concessions secured on agriculture, automobiles, and metal could possibly be a boon for firms in these sectors. Prescription drugs had been additionally earmarked for preferential remedy

This may assist corporations like AstraZeneca and GSK, which have US income publicity over 40% and 52% respectively. However warning’s advisable. There’s nonetheless a scarcity of readability about future tariffs on biotech firms.

Optimistic foundations

Crucially, this doesn’t mark the top of discussions. Negotiations to construct on the framework are ongoing. A possible UK-US expertise partnership could possibly be a giant prize.

Diplomatic context additionally issues. Sir Keir Starmer’s adopted a extra conciliatory tone together with his unpredictable American counterpart than different international leaders, resembling the brand new Canadian PM Mark Carney and several other EU heads of state.

If Britain’s spared from the worst of any future tariffs following the deal, FTSE 100 shares might reap the rewards.

Discovering FTSE 100 winners

Though the settlement might not be a game-changer for the index as a complete, sure FTSE 100 firms could possibly be main beneficiaries. One to contemplate is iconic aerospace and defence enterprise Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR.).

Civil aviation’s the lifeblood of the enterprise, accounting for a majority of Rolls-Royce’s revenues. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick particularly named the agency on Thursday, asserting that its engines used on Boeing 787 passenger jets would obtain a tariff exemption.

With 29% income publicity to the US, this could possibly be a giant enhance for an organization already celebrating spectacular current outcomes. Rolls-Royce’s return on capital has skyrocketed to 13.8%, in comparison with 4.9% in 2022. The deal’s optimistic impression ought to assist efforts to elevate this determine to 18%-21% by 2028.

Valuation’s a priority with Rolls-Royce shares. They commerce at a ahead price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of round 33.8. That’s a lot increased than the FTSE 100 common. Nonetheless, though this won’t be an affordable inventory, it’s primed to profit from the brand new UK-US commerce deal.