Three FTSE names to watch in October: GSK, Volution and HSBC

# What this brief covers A short, actionable summary of three FTSE-listed companies that could see notable share moves in October because of upcoming trading updates or recent results. It lists the near-term dates to watch, what pushed expectations higher, and the main risks for each name.

# 1) GSK — Q3 trading due 28 October GSK delivered H1 revenue of £8.4bn and beat earnings forecasts earlier in the year. The company has increased focus on speciality medicines and oncology, with sales in those areas rising strongly between January and June. Management plans a busy late-stage pipeline for 2026, with more than 20 late-stage tests targeted.

• A positive Q3 trading update on 28 October that shows continued sales and margin momentum.

• Any testing setbacks or slowing sales in the speciality medicines or oncology segments would undermine revenue and earnings targets.

# 2) Volution Group (LSE:FAN) — results on 8 October Volution manufactures energy-efficient ventilation systems and sells into housing and other building markets across the UK, Europe and Australia. In its July update the company described "another strong year of progress" and upgraded full-year forecasts, expecting earnings to be about 4% ahead of market forecasts.

• The 8 October results beating the upgraded expectations or showing stronger-than-expected margins. Ongoing regulatory tightening on energy use and indoor air quality supports demand for ventilation products.

• Continued inflationary pressure hitting housebuilding demand in the UK or other end markets. If sales into the British housebuilding sector weaken materially, that would pressure Volution's revenue growth.

# 3) HSBC (LSE:HSBA) — Q3 results on 27 October HSBC's half-year update on 4 August showed pre-tax profits of $19.5bn, about $600m ahead of forecasts. The bank's wealth business is growing as the number of high-net-worth clients increases, and higher interest rates have boosted net interest income (NII), prompting HSBC to raise full-year NII estimates.

• A Q3 update on 27 October that repeats or improves on the NII and wealth-management momentum, possibly prompting further upgrades to NII forecasts.
• Stronger economic activity or rate moves in key Asian markets that boost margins and fee income.

• Economic fallout tied to regional geopolitical tensions, specifically the Iran conflict, which could hit core markets. Slower inflation or policy moves that reduce NII upside would also be negative.

# Short checklist for investors

• Note the precise release dates: HSBC on 27 October, GSK on 28 October, Volution on 8 October.

• Track sector-specific drivers: drug trial outcomes for GSK, housing and building regulation trends for Volution, and Asian rate/wealth trends for HSBC.

# Bottom line