FTSE 100 edges higher while European markets fall. Jet2 reports record passenger growth, Vistry resets strategy and Brent crude rises.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened marginally higher, while broader European markets weakened as the Euronext 100 slipped and Germany’s DAX fell more than one per cent. Overnight, US markets also closed lower, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both retreating as investors reacted to escalating tensions in the Gulf, monitored Federal Reserve policy expectations and assessed the impact of heightened geopolitical uncertainty on global risk sentiment.
Commodity markets reflected the increase in geopolitical risk, with Brent crude rising sharply while copper, gold and natural gas also moved higher. Bitcoin edged lower against sterling. Sterling strengthened slightly against the US dollar but weakened modestly against the Swiss franc, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar as investors sought traditional safe-haven assets amid concerns over energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (0.001%), 10,666.09
Euronext 100: Down (-0.03%), 1,912.02
DAX: Down (-1.14%), 25,174.68
NASDAQ: Down, 25,818.69
S&P 500: Down, 7,503.85
In the Headlines
Passenger growth – Jet2 (LSE:JET2)
Jet2 reported record passenger growth, launched a £250 million share buyback programme and expanded its presence at London Gatwick. The update highlights continued demand for leisure travel while reinforcing confidence in shareholder returns and long-term expansion plans.
Strategic reset – Vistry (LSE:VTY)
Vistry said first-half earnings will be affected as it prioritises cash generation through discounted sales, lower-risk developments and tighter capital allocation. The measures are intended to strengthen the balance sheet and support longer-term profitability despite near-term earnings pressure.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (0.02%), $1.3347
CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.0798
EUR: Down (-0.01%), €1.1706
JPY: Down (-0.02%), ¥216.7045
AUD: Down (-0.01%), $1.9281
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £47,017.91
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Up
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