UK markets open mixed as Balfour Beatty raises guidance, Evoke faces higher gaming duties and Brent crude rises on Hormuz risks.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened unchanged at 10,844.19, while the Euronext 100 edged 0.01 per cent lower to 1,976.84 and Germany’s DAX gained 0.19 per cent to 26,442.42. European markets remained cautious as investors monitored the escalating US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz and awaited US inflation data. Overnight on Wall Street, the Nasdaq closed lower at 26,445.45, while the S&P 500 declined to 7,728.20.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and natural gas higher, gold slightly lower and Brent crude rising as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and continuing Houthi strikes kept supply risks in focus. Against sterling, the US dollar, Japanese yen and Australian dollar strengthened marginally, the Swiss franc weakened slightly and the euro was unchanged, while Bitcoin rose slightly.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Unchanged (0.00%), 10,844.19
Euronext 100: Down (-0.01%), 1,976.84
DAX: Up (+0.19%), 26,442.42
NASDAQ: Down, 26,445.45
S&P 500: Down, 7,728.20
In the Headlines
Guidance raised – Balfour Beatty (LSE:BBY)
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty raised its 2026 guidance after first-half underlying profit from its earnings-based businesses increased 42 per cent, supported by stronger UK and US operations. Higher expectations for profit growth and cash generation, alongside increased shareholder returns, strengthen visibility for the year ahead.
Gaming duties weigh – Evoke (LSE:EVOK)
Betting and gaming group Evoke reported broadly stable first-half revenue, with online growth helping offset retail closures, but higher UK gaming duties weighed on profitability. The company is pursuing efficiency measures while progressing towards the proposed Bally’s Intralot transaction.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (+0.01%), $1.3508
CHF: Down (-0.00%), Fr.1.0957
EUR: Unchanged (0.00%), €1.1703
JPY: Up (+0.00%), ¥215.154
AUD: Up (+0.00%), $1.9125
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £47,118.43
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Up
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