FTSE 100 opens flat as Avacta raises £12.5m and Clarksons lifts its profit outlook, while Brent crude falls and sterling strengthens.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened broadly flat at 10,498.06, while European markets moved higher, with the Euronext 100 up 0.03 per cent and Germany’s DAX gaining 0.86 per cent. European equities were supported by calmer French debt markets, while the UK market drew support from strength in US technology shares despite continuing geopolitical risks. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq closed higher at 27,477.31 and the S&P 500 also advanced to 7,773.95.
Commodity trading was mixed, with copper and natural gas higher while gold and Brent crude declined. Oil remained under pressure as resilient Middle Eastern exports and coordinated emergency reserve measures eased immediate supply concerns, although Gulf tensions continued to pose risks. Against sterling, the US dollar, Swiss franc, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar weakened, while Bitcoin also moved lower.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (+0.00%), 10,498.06
Euronext 100: Up (+0.03%), 1,877.16
DAX: Up (+0.86%), 25,470.47
NASDAQ: Up, 27,477.31
S&P 500: Up, 7,773.95
In the Headlines
Oncology Funding – Avacta (LSE:AVCT)
Clinical-stage life sciences company Avacta raised £12.5 million through a placing and director-led subscription. The funding is expected to extend its cash runway into the second quarter of 2027 and support continued development of its pre|CISION oncology pipeline.
Profit Outlook Raised – Clarksons (LSE:CKN)
Shipping services group Clarksons raised its 2026 outlook after stronger-than-expected trading in August and September, with underlying pre-tax profit now expected to be at least £135 million. Increased commodity and freight market volatility supported activity across its Broking and Financial divisions.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.01%), $1.3219
CHF: Down (-0.16%), Fr.1.1007
EUR: Down (-0.05%), €1.1790
JPY: Down (-0.16%), ¥209.134
AUD: Down (-0.03%), $1.8980
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £64,647.62
Commodities
Copper: Up
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Down
Natural Gas: Up
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