FTSE 100 slips as UK inflation rises. Domino’s and Halfords report sales growth, while Brent crude advances amid Middle East supply concerns.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened 0.19 per cent lower at 10,712.80, as UK inflation accelerated to 3.5 per cent, weighing on expectations for interest rate reductions. European markets were mixed, with the Euronext 100 rising 0.39 per cent to 1,860.22, while Germany’s DAX declined 0.16 per cent to 25,263.04. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq closed marginally lower at 26,424.82, while the S&P 500 advanced to 7,712.57, as investors assessed corporate earnings ahead of major technology company results.
Commodity markets showed mixed movements, with copper and gold declining while Brent crude advanced amid concerns over Middle Eastern energy supplies. Natural gas also moved lower. Bitcoin rose against sterling. The pound strengthened against the US dollar and euro but weakened against the Swiss franc, Japanese yen and Australian dollar. Inflation developments and energy prices remained important considerations for monetary policy expectations.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.19%), 10,712.80
Euronext 100: Up (+0.39%), 1,860.22
DAX: Down (-0.16%), 25,263.04
NASDAQ: Down, 26,424.82
S&P 500: Up, 7,712.57
In the Headlines
Quarterly System Sales Rise – Domino’s Pizza Group (LSE:DOM)
Domino’s Pizza Group reported a 3.5 per cent increase in third-quarter system sales and maintained its FY2026 outlook. The update provides investors with an indication of trading performance across its franchise network and management’s expectations for the remainder of the financial year.
First-Half Like-for-Like Sales Increase – Halfords Group (LSE:HFD)
Halfords reported a 7.1 per cent increase in first-half like-for-like sales and reaffirmed its FY2027 profit guidance. The results highlight trading across the motoring and cycling retailer’s operations while leaving its full-year earnings expectations unchanged.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (+0.02%), $1.3376
CHF: Down (-0.07%), Fr.1.1034
EUR: Up (+0.05%), €1.1918
JPY: Down (-0.10%), ¥211.47
AUD: Down (-0.17%), $1.9056
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £62,035.80
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Down
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