FTSE 100 and European stocks decline as Wickes reports revenue growth, Anglo American copper output falls and Brent crude advances amid supply risks.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened 0.35 per cent lower at 10,726.93, as concerns over French civil unrest and tensions involving Iran weighed on investor sentiment. European markets also declined, with the Euronext 100 falling 0.68 per cent to 1,849.01 and Germany’s DAX losing 0.73 per cent to 25,133.83. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq closed higher at 26,430.89, while the S&P 500 advanced to 7,690.73, providing a more positive backdrop from US equities.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and gold moving lower, while Brent crude and natural gas advanced. Oil prices remained supported by concerns over supply disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks have threatened efforts to restore energy shipments. Against sterling, the US dollar, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar weakened, while the Swiss franc strengthened marginally. Bitcoin declined against the pound, reflecting a cautious tone across digital assets.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.35%), 10,726.93
Euronext 100: Down (-0.68%), 1,849.01
DAX: Down (-0.73%), 25,133.83
NASDAQ: Up, 26,430.89
S&P 500: Up, 7,690.73
In the Headlines
Quarterly Revenue Growth – Wickes Group (LSE:WIX)
Home improvement retailer Wickes reported a 4.5 per cent increase in third-quarter revenue to £439 million and maintained its 2026 profit outlook. The update indicates continued sales growth while providing investors with confirmation of the company’s full-year earnings expectations.
Copper Production Declines – Anglo American (LSE:AAL)
Diversified mining group Anglo American reported a 5 per cent decline in third-quarter copper production but maintained its 2026 production guidance. The update highlights lower quarterly output while indicating that the company continues to expect to meet its annual targets.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.28%), $1.3346
CHF: Up (+0.01%), Fr.1.1004
EUR: Down (-0.11%), €1.1883
JPY: Down (-0.00%), ¥210.9885
AUD: Down (-0.10%), $1.908
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £61,055.20
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Up
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