FTSE 100 edges lower as M&S expands logistics operations and E.On pursues Ovo takeover amid softer Brent crude prices.
UK markets opened mixed, with the FTSE 100 edging down 0.02 per cent to 10,254.11 while the FTSE 250 gained 0.20 per cent to 22,798.7. In the US, the Dow Jones slipped 0.13 per cent and the S&P 500 eased 0.05 per cent, while the Nasdaq added 0.14 per cent as investors weighed continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence following comments from Nvidia chief Jensen Huang. Market sentiment also remained sensitive to energy markets after renewed geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing debate over elevated energy sector profits.
Commodity markets were mixed, with Brent crude falling despite recent volatility linked to Middle East supply concerns. Gold also weakened while copper advanced, reflecting continued interest in industrial demand themes. Sterling softened against both the US dollar and euro, while Bitcoin declined against the pound. Investors continued to monitor inflation pressures, energy pricing and broader global growth expectations.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.02%), 10,254.11
FTSE 250: Up (0.20%), 22,798.7
DOW: Down (-0.13%), 49,645.3
NASDAQ: Up (0.14%), 29,184.7
S&P 500: Down (-0.05%), 7,396.5
In the Headlines
Warehouse Expansion – Marks & Spencer (LSE:MKS)
Marks & Spencer has agreed to buy an Asos warehouse as part of plans to double its online sales capacity. The move highlights continued investment in logistics infrastructure as retailers seek to strengthen e-commerce operations and improve delivery efficiency.
Energy Sector Consolidation – E.On (TG:EOAN)
E.On is set to acquire rival Ovo in a deal that would create one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers. The transaction comes amid renewed scrutiny of energy company profitability and could reshape competition within the domestic energy market.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.21%), $1.3628
EUR: Down (-0.07%), €1.1561
JPY: Up (0.04%), ¥213.608
AUD: Down (-0.10%), $1.880930
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down (-1.47%), £60,427.0
Commodities
Brent Crude: Down (-1.06%), 102.195
Gold: Down (-0.72%), 4,683.66
Copper: Up (0.81%), 6.349
Natural Gas: Down (-0.37%), 2.9595
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