FTSE 100 edges higher as oil prices climb on Middle East tensions, while Genedrive and PageGroup lead the UK corporate headlines.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened 0.01 per cent higher at 10,498.05, while the Euronext 100 slipped 0.09 per cent to 1,906.09 and Germany’s DAX fell 0.12 per cent to 25,036.04. Overnight, the Nasdaq closed higher at 26,281.61 and the S&P 500 gained to 7,575.39 as investors assessed renewed tensions in the Middle East after US strikes on Iran, driving a sharp rise in oil prices and tempering risk appetite across European markets.
Commodity markets reflected the geopolitical backdrop, with Brent crude strengthening sharply while gold also edged higher on safe-haven demand. Copper weakened alongside natural gas, while Bitcoin traded lower. Against sterling, the US dollar, Swiss franc, euro and Japanese yen all strengthened slightly, while the Australian dollar was little changed.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (+0.01%), 10,498.05
Euronext 100: Down (-0.09%), 1,906.09
DAX: Down (-0.12%), 25,036.04
NASDAQ: Up, 26,281.61
S&P 500: Up, 7,575.39
In the Headlines
Annual results – Genedrive (LSE:GDR)
Genedrive reported higher annual revenue as adoption of its NHS-approved pharmacogenetic test accelerated and international commercial activity expanded. The update highlights growing momentum in the company’s commercial rollout and supports its long-term growth strategy.
Trading update – PageGroup (LSE:PAGE)
PageGroup maintained its full-year outlook after second-quarter trading improved from the first quarter, with demand stabilising across several regions. The update suggests recruitment markets remain challenging but are showing signs of recovery.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.02%), $1.3386
CHF: Down (-0.02%), Fr.1.0836
EUR: Down (-0.04%), €1.1738
JPY: Down (-0.02%), ¥216.7225
AUD: Up (+0.00%), $1.9282
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £47,039.00
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Down
Leave a Reply