FTSE 100 and European markets opened higher as Sainsbury’s and Saga updated investors while Brent crude eased and Bitcoin strengthened.
Market Overview
UK and European markets opened higher at the start of the new trading week. The FTSE 100 edged up to 10,484.31, the Euronext 100 gained 0.03 per cent to 1,901.55, and Germany’s DAX advanced 0.73 per cent to 24,815.22. Overnight, the Nasdaq closed higher at 25,820.15 and the S&P 500 finished at 7,440.43, as investors balanced stronger UK GDP data against ongoing uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations, while attention also turned to central bank speeches and economic data due later this week.
Commodity markets reflected easing geopolitical concerns. Brent crude slipped as renewed US-Iran talks reduced worries over supply disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, while copper and gold also traded lower. Natural gas edged lower, Bitcoin fell against sterling, and sterling was broadly firmer against the euro, Swiss franc, US dollar and Australian dollar, while weakening against the Japanese yen.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (+0.001%), 10,484.31
Euronext 100: Up (+0.03%), 1,901.55
DAX: Up (+0.73%), 24,815.22
NASDAQ: Up, 25,820.15
S&P 500: Up, 7,440.43
In the Headlines
Trading update – Sainsbury’s (LSE:SBRY)
Sainsbury’s reported continued growth in grocery sales and market share while maintaining its full-year profit guidance. The update suggests resilient consumer demand and supports confidence in the supermarket group’s outlook despite a competitive retail environment.
Positive momentum – Saga (LSE:SAGA)
Saga said trading remains in line with expectations as growth in its travel business and progress with its long-term Ageas insurance partnership helped reduce debt and strengthen the balance sheet. The update reinforces management’s confidence in meeting full-year guidance.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.02%), $1.3253
CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.0706
EUR: Down (-0.06%), €1.1606
JPY: Up (+0.06%), ¥214.599
AUD: Down (-0.03%), $1.9259
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £44,891.13
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Down
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