FTSE 100 opens little changed as Next declares a dividend and Galliford Try reports profit growth. European stocks advance while Brent crude falls.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened up at 10,784.86 on Thursday, as investors assessed the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision ahead of the Bank of England’s policy announcement. European markets advanced, with the Euronext 100 gaining 0.34 per cent and Germany’s DAX rising 0.78 per cent. In the US, the Nasdaq closed marginally lower at 25,978.42, while the S&P 500 declined to 7,551.81.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and gold advancing while Brent crude and natural gas declined. Oil prices remained under pressure as concerns over Middle East supply disruptions eased. Against sterling, the US dollar, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar strengthened marginally, while the Swiss franc weakened slightly. Bitcoin moved marginally higher as investors continued to assess the outlook for monetary policy and geopolitical developments.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (+0.01%), 10,784.86
Euronext 100: Up (+0.34%), 1,898.13
DAX: Up (+0.78%), 25,737.31
NASDAQ: Down, 25,978.42
S&P 500: Down, 7,551.81
In the Headlines
Half-Year Results and Dividend – Next (LSE:NXT)
Clothing and homeware retailer Next has published its half-year results for the 2026/27 financial year and declared an interim dividend of 98 pence per share, payable on 4 January 2027. The announcement provides investors with updated financial information and details of the company’s shareholder distributions.
Adjusted Profit Rises 24.2% – Galliford Try (LSE:GFRD)
Construction group Galliford Try reported a 24.2 per cent increase in adjusted pre-tax profit to £55.9 million for the 2026 financial year. The improvement highlights stronger underlying profitability and provides investors with an updated assessment of the group’s annual performance.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (+0.08%), $1.3392
CHF: Down (-0.02%), Fr.1.1042
EUR: Up (+0.02%), €1.1666
JPY: Up (+0.12%), ¥208.463
AUD: Up (+0.03%), $1.8817
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £57,080.54
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Down
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