Reckitt Benckiser Group shares declined 5.9% in early London trading following disappointing sales performance for the company's cold and flu products during the recent season.

The British consumer goods company, known for brands including Mucinex and Strepsils, experienced weaker sales in both European and North American markets. The decline was attributed to a less severe cold and flu season compared to previous years, which reduced demand for the company's respiratory health products.

Meanwhile, Dutch paints and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel reported positive financial results despite facing challenging market conditions. The company's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization increased 7% on a comparable basis.

AkzoNobel's performance contrasted with the difficulties experienced by Reckitt, demonstrating varying impacts of current market conditions across different consumer goods sectors. The paints manufacturer managed to achieve growth amid what the company described as turbulent market conditions.

Both companies' results reflect the ongoing volatility in consumer goods markets, with performance varying significantly based on product categories and seasonal factors affecting demand patterns.