Barclays upgrades RELX stock amid market uncertainty

On March 14, 2025, Barclays, a prominent British bank, announced an upgrade for RELX, an information and analytics company. Analyst Nick Dempsey noted that RELX's reliable growth profile could appeal to investors seeking safety during rising market uncertainty. This is particularly relevant as the S&P 500 had recently entered correction territory, declining 10% below its record set in February due to ongoing trade tensions that have destabilized the U.S. stock market. Dempsey observed that while RELX shares are not considered cheap compared to historical values, they are in line with those of its peers in the information services sector. U.S.-listed shares of RELX rose by about 1% following the upgrade announcement. To date in 2025, these shares have increased over 5%, trading at 36 times trailing earnings, which is notably higher than the S&P 500’s valuation of 24. Dempsey’s analysis suggests that even in the event of an economic downturn similar to the 2008/2009 recession, RELX would likely fare better than most other stocks. In a worst-case scenario, he projects a potential 7% downside in RELX’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for 2026, excluding foreign exchange impacts. However, he emphasized that RELX is not completely immune to economic downturns but carries a low risk of impact. Despite the market challenges, Dempsey remains optimistic about RELX's future, predicting a robust average constant FX EPS growth of just under 11% over the coming years. This positions RELX as a worthy investment choice, particularly for those looking for stability and growth in uncertain times.