FTSE 100 slips as Middle East tensions weigh on sentiment. STV lifts advertising outlook, Raspberry Pi raises forecasts, while Brent crude falls.
Market Overview
Markets were mixed heading into the UK session. The FTSE 100 fell 0.51 per cent to 10,340.81 as investors weighed reports of stalled UK house price growth and ongoing concerns around risks to shipping and energy markets linked to tensions in the Middle East. European markets outperformed, with the CAC 40 rising 1.15 per cent and the DAX gaining 0.60 per cent, while US markets weakened overnight as the Nasdaq declined 0.79 per cent and the S&P 500 slipped 0.40 per cent amid caution around technology stocks and broader risk sentiment.
Commodity markets were softer, with copper, gold, Brent crude and natural gas all trading lower. Bitcoin also retreated against sterling, reflecting reduced appetite for risk assets. Sterling strengthened against the US dollar, Japanese yen and Australian dollar, while easing slightly against the Swiss franc. Oil steadied after recent volatility, but geopolitical uncertainty and concerns around global trade conditions continued to influence investor positioning.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.51%), 10,340.81
CAC40: Up (1.15%), 8,244.290
DAX: Up (0.60%), 24,944.95
NASDAQ: Down (-0.79%), 30,064.7
S&P 500: Down (-0.40%), 7,545.1
In the Headlines
Advertising Demand Boost – STV Group (LSE:STVG)
STV raised its near-term advertising expectations after stronger demand linked to the upcoming FIFA World Cup boosted bookings. The broadcaster nevertheless cautioned that wider advertising market conditions remain challenging, highlighting ongoing uncertainty across the sector.
Forecast Upgrade – Raspberry Pi Holdings (LSE:RPI)
Raspberry Pi lifted its annual profit forecast following strong first-half trading and continued demand for its computing products. The upgrade signals improving momentum for the technology company and reinforces confidence in its growth outlook.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (0.16%), $1.3442
CHF: Down (-0.11%), Fr.1.05872
EUR: Flat (0.00%), €1.1555
JPY: Up (0.07%), ¥214.968
AUD: Up (0.24%), $1.88510
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down (-2.52%), £46,359.0
Commodities
Copper: Down (-1.83%), 6.44468
Gold: Down (-0.23%), 4,465.17
Brent Crude: Down (-0.86%), 93.553
Natural Gas: Down (-0.51%), 3.335
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