Relx defies AI disruption fears as growth holds firm

FTSE 100 data giant Rex has reported a jump in sales growth as demand for its AI-powered products continues to rise, defying fears that the technology could threaten its business. The London-listed group, which owns legal research platform Lexisnexis, said on Thursday that underlying revenue rose seven per cent in the first nine months of 2026, with growth across all four divisions. Its legal business led the gains, posting a 10 per cent rise in sales as law firms increased their use of AI-powered research tools. Relx also maintained its full-year forecast, forecasting growth in revenue, profit and earnings per share. The update comes after a volatile year for the £51bn group, whose shares have been caught in a wider sell-off of software and data businesses amid fears that AI could replace services they currently charge customers to use. Earlier this year, RELX shares plunged after Anthropic unveiled new AI tools capable of automating legal work, raising concerns about t