European markets rally as oil falls on US-Iran truce hopes, Vodafone lifts guidance, AstraZeneca posts strong first-half growth and Brent declines.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened broadly unchanged at 10,736.14, while European markets moved higher, with the Euronext 100 gaining 0.11 per cent and Germany’s DAX rising 1.38 per cent. Overnight, the Nasdaq closed lower at 24,975.82, while the S&P 500 edged higher to 7,411.98. Investor sentiment improved as the US-Iran truce continued to hold, easing geopolitical concerns and supporting European equities alongside expectations surrounding central bank policy.
Commodity markets reflected the shift in risk sentiment, with Brent crude falling sharply as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough reduced supply concerns, while copper and gold edged higher and natural gas eased. Bitcoin traded broadly unchanged against sterling, while the pound weakened slightly against the US dollar, Swiss franc, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.001%), 10,736.14
Euronext 100: Up (+0.11%), 1,923.38
DAX: Up (+1.38%), 25,445.57
NASDAQ: Down, 24,975.82
S&P 500: Up, 7,411.98
In the Headlines
Guidance raised – Vodafone (LSE:VOD)
Vodafone raised its full-year guidance after reporting a strong first quarter, supported by broad-based revenue growth and the consolidation of Safaricom. The upgrade reinforces confidence in the group’s earnings and cash flow outlook following its strategic expansion.
Pipeline strength – AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN)
AstraZeneca reported strong first-half growth, driven by robust demand across its medicines portfolio and continued pipeline expansion. The results support the company’s long-term growth strategy and reinforce its position within the global pharmaceutical sector.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.03%), $1.3351
CHF: Down (-0.08%), Fr.1.0898
EUR: Down (-0.01%), €1.1717
JPY: Down (-0.00%), ¥218.449
AUD: Up (+0.01%), $1.9089
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £48,925.10
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Down
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