FTSE 100 steadies as Anglo American sells coal mines and Ryanair warns on fuel costs while Brent crude and Bitcoin decline.
Market Overview
European equities moved lower in early trade as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and renewed concerns over energy supply routes weighed on sentiment. The FTSE 100 edged higher by 0.03 per cent to 10,192.68, while the CAC40 fell 1.60 per cent and the DAX dropped 2.07 per cent. In the US, the Nasdaq slipped 0.25 per cent and the S&P 500 declined 0.20 per cent as investors monitored G7 finance discussions and developments around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodity markets remained volatile, with Brent crude easing slightly despite ongoing concerns over supply disruption risks linked to the Middle East. Gold traded higher as investors sought defensive assets, while copper weakened amid broader risk-off sentiment. Sterling strengthened modestly against the US dollar, euro and yen, while Bitcoin weakened against the pound.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (0.03%), 10,192.68
CAC40: Down (-1.60%), 7,952.550
DAX: Down (-2.07%), 23,950.57
NASDAQ: Down (-0.25%), 29,062.2
S&P 500: Down (-0.20%), 7,382.2
In the Headlines
Coal Mine Disposal – Anglo American (LSE:AAL)
Anglo American has agreed to sell its Australian steelmaking coal mines for £2.9 billion as the miner continues its broader restructuring programme. The disposal supports the company’s strategy to focus on copper and premium assets while reducing exposure to more cyclical operations.
Outlook Pressure – Ryanair (LSE:0A2U)
Ryanair shares fell after the airline warned that fuel costs and Middle East geopolitical risks could affect its FY27 outlook despite reporting strong annual profits. Investors remain focused on how sustained oil price volatility may impact airline margins across Europe.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (0.27%), $1.3357
CHF: Down (-0.02%), Fr.1.04832
EUR: Up (0.13%), €1.1472
JPY: Up (0.27%), ¥212.130
AUD: Up (0.14%), $1.866050
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down (-0.88%), £57,680.9
Commodities
Copper: Down (-0.30%), 6.2888
Gold: Up (0.30%), 4,558.66
Brent Crude: Down (-0.61%), 106.815
Natural Gas: Up (0.51%), 3.1825
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