FTSE 100 opens flat as oil supply concerns weigh on markets, while Wickes and MJ Gleeson report higher revenue and Brent crude rises.

Market Overview

The FTSE 100 opened broadly unchanged at 10,697.76, as higher oil prices and Middle East supply concerns remained in focus ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting. In Europe, the Euronext 100 slipped 0.01 per cent to 1,879.22 and Germany’s DAX fell 0.44 per cent to 25,329.75, with geopolitical tensions, elevated bond yields and caution ahead of the Fed weighing on sentiment. In the US, the Nasdaq closed lower at 26,186.41, while the S&P 500 fell to 7,619.98.

Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and gold moving lower while Brent crude and natural gas edged higher. Oil remained supported by concerns over Middle East supplies following further Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and delays to talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Against sterling, the US dollar, Swiss franc, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar weakened marginally, while Bitcoin fell.

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Market Numbers

FTSE 100: Down (0.001%), 10,697.76
Euronext 100: Down (-0.01%), 1,879.22
DAX: Down (-0.44%), 25,329.75
NASDAQ: Down, 26,186.41
S&P 500: Down, 7,619.98

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In the Headlines

Revenue Growth – Wickes Group (LSE:WIX)
Home improvement retailer Wickes reported a 2.1% increase in first-half revenue, with Design & Installation sales rising 5.7%. The figures highlight growth in the division alongside the group’s wider first-half trading performance.

Revenue Rises – MJ Gleeson (LSE:GLE)
Housebuilder and land developer MJ Gleeson reported a 12.1% increase in FY26 revenue, while adjusted profit declined. The results show higher annual sales alongside pressure on underlying profitability.

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Currencies (vs GBP)

USD: Down (-0.001%), $1.3501
CHF: Down (-0.001%), Fr.1.1034
EUR: Down (-0.01%), €1.1691
JPY: Down (-0.01%), ¥208.4675
AUD: Down (-0.001%), $1.8916
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £57,234.11

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Commodities

Copper: Down
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Up