FTSE 100 opens steady as Barclays publishes interim results and Games Workshop reports record profits while Brent crude eases and European markets edge higher.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened broadly unchanged at 10,781.87, while the Euronext 100 gained 0.10 per cent and Germany’s DAX advanced 0.62 per cent. Overnight in the US, the Nasdaq closed lower at 24,932.08, while the S&P 500 edged higher to 7,413.18. Market sentiment improved as the recent technology-led sell-off eased, although investors continued to monitor Middle East tensions, bond yields and corporate earnings across Europe.
Commodity markets reflected easing geopolitical concerns, with Brent crude and natural gas both trading lower after reports that investors continued to assess a pause in US strikes on Iran. Copper and gold edged higher, while Bitcoin was unchanged against sterling. Sterling weakened modestly against the US dollar, Swiss franc and Australian dollar, was little changed against the euro, and strengthened slightly against the Japanese yen.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Unchanged (+0.00%), 10,781.87
Euronext 100: Up (+0.10%), 1,906.92
DAX: Up (+0.62%), 25,518.50
NASDAQ: Down, 24,932.08
S&P 500: Up, 7,413.18
In the Headlines
Interim results – Barclays (LSE:BARC)
Barclays published its interim 2026 results, highlighting performance across its banking divisions and outlining a programme of investor meetings over the coming quarter. The update reinforces the group’s focus on profitability, capital management and engagement with institutional investors following its half-year results.
Record performance – Games Workshop (LSE:GAW)
Games Workshop reported record annual revenue and profit as demand for its Warhammer franchise remained strong. Continued growth in its core hobby business offset an expected decline in licensing income, demonstrating the resilience of the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.01%), $1.329
CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.089
EUR: Unchanged (+0.00%), €1.169
JPY: Up (+0.03%), ¥217.664
AUD: Down (-0.01%), $1.9022
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £47,702.90
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Down
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