UK equities opened slightly higher on Tuesday as trading resumed following the Easter holiday, while the pound weakened against the dollar as investors monitored geopolitical developments surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran. European markets showed a mixed performance.
At 07:08 GMT, the FTSE 100 blue-chip index was up 0.09%, while sterling slipped 0.06% against the U.S. dollar to trade at 1.3237.
Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX was broadly unchanged, while France’s CAC 40 advanced by 0.5%.
UK market highlights
Preliminary industry data published on Tuesday indicated that new car registrations in the UK increased by around 6% in March.
Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a record level during the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Fully electric cars accounted for approximately 23% of total registrations, although this remains below the UK government’s target of 33% by 2026.
Meanwhile, WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) said Leo Quinn has formally taken on the role of Executive Chair after shareholders approved the appointment at the company’s General Meeting on March 12.
Andrew Harrison stepped down from the board with immediate effect and will return to his previous role as chief executive of the group’s UK division.
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