UK Stocks-Factors to watch on March 31

March 31 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index opened up 0.1% on Tuesday.

UNILEVER: Unilever ULVR.L said it was in advanced talks to combine its food business with spice maker McCormick MKC.N. Separately, it implemented a global hiring freeze that will last at least three months, according to a memo.

ASHMORE: Ashmore said that Japan Post Insurance 7181.T had agreed to acquire up to a 2.9% stake in the company.

PRINCES GROUP: Princes Group PRN.L said it would raise prices where needed to offset renewed cost pressures from rising fuel, transport, and packaging costs from the Middle East conflict.

AG BARR: AG Barr BAG.L beat market expectations for annual profit.

RASPBERRY PI: Raspberry Pi RPI.L reported a better-than-expected 25% rise in annual adjusted core earnings to $46.4 million.

HILTON FOODS: Hilton Food Group HFG.L said it would focus on its core meat business and implement improvement plans for some seafood and plant-based protein units.

DOMINO'S PIZZA: Domino's Pizza DOM.L said that interim CEO Nicola Frampton has been appointed as the chain's permanent chief executive.

HEATHROW: Britain's CAA proposed capping Heathrow Airport's passenger charges at between 27.20 pounds and 30.50 pounds per passenger for the 2027-2031 regulatory period.

EDINBURGH WORLDWIDE: Saba Capital announced a liquidity proposal for Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust EWI.L and said it believes its proposal is superior to the company's proposed tender offer.

MOTOR FINANCE: The motor finance industry must pay around 9.1 billion pounds to compensate UK motorists for unfair vehicle loans under the market regulator's trimmed, final bill.

SHOP PRICES: British store chains raised their prices a bit more quickly this month and the Iran war risks further pushing up inflation, a retail industry group said.

ECONOMY: Britain's economy barely grew at the end of 2025, official data confirmed, adding to the challenge for the government to keep growth on track in 2026.

HOUSE PRICES: British house prices rose by more than expected in March, data showed.

COMMODITIES: Oil prices were little changed, aluminium extended gains, and gold prices rose.

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