FTSE 100 opens flat as DFS reports higher profit and Vistry restructures, while US-Iran tensions influence equities and Brent crude.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened broadly flat at 10,705.47, up 0.001 per cent from its previous close, as persistent US-Iran tensions and elevated US Treasury yields weighed on risk appetite. The Euronext 100 opened 0.03 per cent lower at 1,896.91, while Germany’s DAX was down 0.16 per cent at 25,369.13. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq closed lower at 26,936.04 and the S&P 500 declined to 7,706.03, with higher Treasury yields weighing on US equities.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and natural gas higher, while gold and Brent crude were lower. Oil markets remained sensitive to US-Iran diplomacy, with talks showing little concrete progress and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continuing to influence sentiment. Bitcoin advanced slightly against sterling. Against sterling, the US dollar and Swiss franc strengthened, while the euro and Australian dollar weakened and the Japanese yen was broadly unchanged.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Flat (0.00%), 10,705.47
Euronext 100: Lower (-0.03%), 1,897.80
DAX: Lower (-0.16%), 25,369.13
NASDAQ: Lower, 26,936.04
S&P 500: Lower, 7,706.03
In the Headlines
Profit rises – DFS Furniture (LSE:DFS)
DFS Furniture reported a 48.7% increase in FY26 underlying profit before tax to £44.9 million, while revenue increased 2.6%. The furniture retailer also restored dividend payments as net bank debt declined during the year.
Strategic review – Vistry Group (LSE:VTY)
Vistry Group reported a first-half loss as revenue and housing completions declined and the housebuilder recognised exceptional charges. Its strategic review will reduce the number of operating regions from 25 to 12 as the group moves towards a smaller and more geographically focused structure.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Higher (0.04%), $1.3244
CHF: Higher (0.13%), Fr.1.0939
EUR: Lower (-0.03%), €1.1627
JPY: Higher (0.001%), ¥209.5365
AUD: Lower (-0.01%), $1.882
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Higher, £63,736.55
Commodities
Copper: Higher
Gold: Lower
Brent Crude: Lower
Natural Gas: Higher
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