FTSE 100 opens flat as Barratt Redrow boosts shareholder returns, Audioboom posts record results and oil keeps markets focused.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened down slightly at 10,529.05, while the Euronext 100 edged 0.01 per cent lower and Germany’s DAX fell 0.87 per cent. Overnight, the Nasdaq closed higher at 26,107.01 and the S&P 500 finished up at 7,543.59 as investors weighed renewed US-Iran hostilities, rising oil prices and corporate earnings against continued resilience in technology shares.
Commodity markets remained dominated by higher energy prices following renewed attacks linked to the US-Iran conflict, supporting Brent crude while gold also edged higher on safe-haven demand. Copper traded lower and natural gas strengthened. Against sterling, the US dollar, Swiss franc, euro and Japanese yen were little changed, while the Australian dollar was marginally firmer. Bitcoin was down.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (0.001%), 10,529.05
Euronext 100: Down (-0.01%), 1,913.94
DAX: Down (-0.87%), 24,928.12
NASDAQ: Up, 26,107.01
S&P 500: Up, 7,543.59
In the Headlines
Capital Returns – Barratt Redrow (LSE:BTRW)
Barratt Redrow increased planned shareholder returns after delivering a resilient financial year despite challenging housing market conditions. The housebuilder announced a stronger capital return programme centred on share buybacks, underlining confidence in its balance sheet and future cash generation.
Record Half-Year – Audioboom (LSE:BOOM)
Audioboom reported record first-half revenue and profit, reflecting continued growth across its podcast advertising business. The results reinforce the company’s improving operational momentum and expanding monetisation strategy.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.01%), $1.3396
CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.0839
EUR: Unchanged (0.00%), €1.1726
JPY: Up (+0.04%), ¥217.2795
AUD: Down (-0.01%), $1.9202
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £48,157.37
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Up
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