FTSE 100 opens flat as JD Sports cuts guidance, Hays holds its dividend and Brent crude edges lower amid continuing Middle East risks.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened broadly unchanged at 10,743.23, down less than 0.01 per cent from its previous close, as investors continued to assess the US-Iran standoff and disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz. The Euronext 100 was also effectively flat at 1,938.44, while Germany’s DAX fell 0.27 per cent to 26,020.00 amid caution over central bank policy and inflation risks. Overnight in the US, the Nasdaq closed higher at 26,331.09 and the S&P 500 advanced to 7,707.98.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and Brent crude lower, gold higher and natural gas unchanged. Oil markets remained sensitive to Middle East supply risks as uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict persisted. Against sterling, the Swiss franc and Japanese yen weakened marginally, the euro was effectively unchanged and the Australian dollar strengthened slightly, while Bitcoin was down marginally.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.001%), 10,743.23
Euronext 100: Up (+0.001%), 1,938.44
DAX: Down (-0.27%), 26,020.00
NASDAQ: Up, 26,331.09
S&P 500: Up, 7,707.98
In the Headlines
Guidance cut – JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.)
Sportswear retailer JD Sports cut its FY27 profit guidance after weaker second-quarter trading, with softer consumer demand and footwear sales weighing particularly on North America. The downgrade puts the group’s earnings outlook in focus despite more resilient trading in the UK.
Dividend maintained – Hays (LSE:HAS)
Recruitment group Hays maintained its final dividend alongside its FY26 preliminary results, preserving its shareholder payout despite subdued recruitment conditions. The update highlights the company’s focus on capital discipline as challenging hiring markets continue to affect the sector.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (0.01%), 1.3601
CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.0849
EUR: Down (-0.00%), €1.165
JPY: Down (-0.01%), ¥215.233
AUD: Up (+0.01%), $1.9095
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £51,056.02
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Unchanged
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