FTSE 100 drops as BT maintains guidance and easyJet reports weaker profits while Brent crude extends gains on geopolitical tensions.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 dropped after the open, to 10,716.99, down 0.001 per cent from the previous close, while the Euronext 100 slipped 0.02 per cent to 1,934.31 and Germany’s DAX fell 0.82 per cent to 24,948.06. Overnight, the Nasdaq closed lower at 25,690.90 and the S&P 500 finished at 7,498.96, both ending the previous session in negative territory. Market sentiment remained cautious as investors weighed escalating US-Iran tensions, higher bond yields ahead of the European Central Bank meeting, and continued strength in oil prices following renewed supply disruption concerns in the Red Sea.
Commodity markets continued to reflect geopolitical uncertainty, with Brent crude extending its recent gains while copper, gold and natural gas were little changed. Bitcoin was broadly flat against sterling. Sterling weakened slightly against the US dollar and Swiss franc, was little changed against the euro and Australian dollar, and strengthened modestly against the Japanese yen as investors continued to monitor energy markets and broader geopolitical developments.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.001%), 10,716.99
Euronext 100: Down (-0.02%), 1,934.31
DAX: Down (-0.82%), 24,948.06
NASDAQ: Down, 25,690.90
S&P 500: Down, 7,498.96
In the Headlines
Trading Update – BT Group (LSE:BT.A)
BT Group maintained its full-year guidance after a solid start to the financial year, supported by continued expansion of its full-fibre broadband network and wider 5G coverage. The update reinforces confidence in the group’s long-term infrastructure strategy and cash flow outlook.
Quarterly Results – easyJet (LSE:EZJ)
easyJet reported a sharp fall in third-quarter profit as higher fuel costs and disruption linked to the Middle East conflict weighed on performance. Despite the weaker earnings, the airline highlighted resilient holiday demand and continued operational improvements heading into the peak summer season.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.00%), $1.3375
CHF: Up (+0.02%), Fr.1.0891
EUR: Down (-0.01%), €1.1721
JPY: Down (-0.00%), ¥218.1325
AUD: Down (-0.04%), $1.9136
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £48,897.04
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Down
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