Broker tips: J Sainsbury, Barclays, Tullow Oil, Playtech

First-half results from grocer J Sainsbury were ahead of market forecasts, but analysts at Shore Capital decided to stay on the fence on the back of continued uncertainties facing companies in the sector.

"Whilst we applaud Sainsbury’s greater capital discipline, the focus on debt reduction and strengthening the group’s balance sheet, we struggle to forecast future years with confidence. We therefore retain our neutral 'hold' stance."

Investec has maintained its 'buy' recommendation on Barclays after agreeing with the bank's logic in deciding "not to play" in Wednesday’s otherwise predictable "round one" of regulatory settlements for forex rigging.

After the UK’s FCA and the USA’s CFTC imposed fines totalling £2bn on five banks, Barclays held off from agreeing as it seeks a co-ordinated settlement to include other agencies such as the US Department of Justice, Securites Exchange Commission and SEC, New York Department of Financial Services and the Swiss regulator.

The news that Tullow Oil is re-evaluating its spending in light of the recent slump in crude prices should be welcomed by the market, according to analysts.

"The market may actually be pleased with Tullow's decision to place more emphasis on near-term production and development delivery and hence we reiterate our 'add' recommendation on the stock," Westhouse Securities said.

Credit Suisse has said it sees further downside to the share price of gaming software group Playtech after recent falls, as it downgraded its rating on the stock from 'neutral' to 'underperform'.

Shares in the FTSE 250 firm slumped on Wednesday after the company unveiled plans for a €315m convertible bond issue in order to pursue acquisitions. Analysts at Credit Suisse, however, said the Playtech's focus on M&A is "not necessarily aligned with shareholder interests".