FTSE 100 rises as Barratt Redrow reports revenue growth and WH Smith maintains profit guidance. Gold gains while Brent crude falls ahead of the Fed.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened 0.38 per cent higher at 10,697.83, supported by gains in mining stocks as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision. European markets also advanced, with the Euronext 100 rising 0.57 per cent and Germany’s DAX gaining 0.37 per cent. In the US, the Nasdaq closed lower at 25,981.57, while the S&P 500 declined to 7,585.73.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and gold moving higher, while Brent crude and natural gas declined. Oil prices remained under pressure amid rising US crude inventories, despite concerns about Saudi supply. Bitcoin fell against sterling, while the pound gained against the Swiss franc, euro and Japanese yen but weakened against the US and Australian dollars. Investors continued to monitor Middle East developments ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (+0.38%), 10,697.83
Euronext 100: Up (+0.57%), 1,887.39
DAX: Up (+0.37%), 25,497.25
NASDAQ: Down, 25,981.57
S&P 500: Down, 7,585.73
In the Headlines
Revenue Growth – Barratt Redrow (LSE:BTRW)
Barratt Redrow reported a 6.6 per cent increase in FY26 revenue to £6.06 billion, with home completions rising 5 per cent to 17,667. Adjusted profit before tax declined 7.1 per cent, while the group reported £73 million in integration cost synergies.
Summer Trading – WH Smith (LSE:SMWH)
WH Smith reported a 5 per cent increase in revenue during summer trading and maintained its full-year profit guidance of £75 million. The update provides investors with an indication of trading performance ahead of the retailer’s annual results.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (+0.08%), $1.3482
CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.1039
EUR: Down (-0.04%), €1.1673
JPY: Down (-0.15%), ¥208.879
AUD: Up (+0.01%), $1.8901
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £56,233.43
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Down
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