FTSE 100 opens steady as earnings support sentiment. Greggs and Aston Martin lead UK headlines while Brent crude rebounds and Nasdaq slips.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened marginally higher at 10,871.16, up 0.001 per cent from the previous close. Across Europe, the Euronext 100 gained 0.04 per cent and Germany’s DAX rose 0.25 per cent. Overnight in the US, the Nasdaq closed lower at 24,876.91, while the S&P 500 finished higher at 7,428.78. Market sentiment was supported by a strong corporate earnings backdrop despite ongoing concerns over Middle East tensions, higher oil prices and expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer.
Commodity markets reflected a more cautious tone, with Brent crude rebounding after supply concerns linked to geopolitical developments and OPEC+ expectations, while gold eased and copper edged higher. Natural gas was little changed. Against sterling, the US dollar and Japanese yen strengthened slightly, while the euro and Swiss franc were broadly steady and the Australian dollar weakened marginally. Bitcoin rose against the pound.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (0.001%), 10,871.16
Euronext 100: Up (0.04%), 1,905.37
DAX: Up (0.25%), 25,528.18
NASDAQ: Down, 24,876.91
S&P 500: Up, 7,428.78
In the Headlines
Interim results – Greggs (LSE:GRG)
Greggs reported higher first-half profit and continued market share gains as its value-focused strategy attracted customers despite softer food-to-go demand. Continued investment in new stores, digital channels and supply chain capacity supports its long-term growth strategy.
Trading update – Aston Martin Lagonda (LSE:AML)
Aston Martin improved margins, strengthened liquidity and delivered better first-half performance as preparations for Valhalla customer deliveries gathered pace. The update signals continued progress on profitability and cash generation despite a challenging luxury automotive market.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.02%), $1.3287
CHF: Down (-0.02%), Fr.1.0888
EUR: Up (+0.02%), €1.1669
JPY: Down (-0.04%), ¥217.725
AUD: Up (+0.00%), $1.9051
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £48,420.42
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Up
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