FTSE 100 gains as investors assess Middle East developments. S4 Capital cuts jobs, CMC Markets lifts outlook, while gold rises.
Market Overview
Markets were mixed overnight, with the FTSE 100 advancing 0.41 per cent to 10,347.37 and the CBOE UK 250 gaining 0.18 per cent. In Europe, the CAC 40 fell 0.71 per cent while the DAX declined 1.31 per cent. US markets remained positive, with the Nasdaq rising 0.22 per cent and the S&P 500 adding 0.12 per cent. Sentiment was supported by reports that hopes for a broader easing of Middle East tensions continue to offset concerns over recent regional strikes, while investors also assessed forecasts pointing to modest UK economic growth this year.
Commodity markets were mixed. Gold strengthened as investors maintained some defensive positioning, while copper and energy prices softened. Brent crude sentiment remained cautious amid developments in the Middle East, while natural gas edged lower. Sterling was broadly firmer against the US dollar and Australian dollar but weaker against the euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen. Bitcoin slipped against sterling, reflecting a softer tone across digital assets.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (0.41%), 10,347.37
CAC40: Down (-0.71%), 8,150.420
DAX: Down (-1.31%), 24,795.94
NASDAQ: Up (0.22%), 30,466.4
S&P 500: Up (0.12%), 7,545.6
In the Headlines
Workforce Reduction – S4 Capital (LSE:SFOR)
S4 Capital announced further workforce reductions as challenging trading conditions continue to weigh on demand for advertising and marketing services. The move highlights ongoing pressure across the digital advertising sector as companies focus on cost control and efficiency.
Outlook Raised – CMC Markets (LSE:CMCX)
CMC Markets lifted its FY27 outlook after reporting a 20 per cent increase in annual profit for FY26. The upgraded guidance signals confidence in trading activity and market conditions, providing a positive read-through for the UK financial services sector.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (0.04%), $1.3421
CHF: Down (-0.05%), Fr.1.06232
EUR: Down (-0.04%), €1.1559
JPY: Down (-0.10%), ¥214.582
AUD: Up (0.01%), $1.881370
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down (-0.49%), £47,468.5
Commodities
Copper: Down (-0.31%), 6.49652
Gold: Up (0.73%), 4,466.93
Brent Crude: Down (-1.17%), 96.146
Natural Gas: Down (-0.56%), 3.214
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