FTSE 100 rises as Plus500 and Computacenter lift profit expectations. European stocks gain, while Brent crude falls amid Middle East diplomacy.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 opened 0.38 per cent higher at 10,731.89, supported by gains in mining stocks as investors assessed developments in Middle Eastern diplomacy and awaited Wednesday’s UK Budget. European markets also advanced, with the Euronext 100 gaining 0.11 per cent to 1,848.86 and Germany’s DAX rising 0.53 per cent to 25,314.50, as investors looked ahead to central bank decisions. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq closed lower at 25,955.34, while the S&P 500 declined to 7,623.68, reflecting continued caution towards US equities.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and gold advancing while Brent crude declined amid diplomatic efforts to ease tensions involving Iran, despite continuing concerns over Middle Eastern energy infrastructure. Natural gas prices edged higher. Against sterling, the US dollar and Australian dollar weakened, while the Swiss franc, euro and Japanese yen strengthened. Bitcoin also advanced against the pound. Investors remain focused on energy-driven inflation pressures, forthcoming central bank decisions and major technology company earnings.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Up (+0.38%), 10,731.89
Euronext 100: Up (+0.11%), 1,848.86
DAX: Up (+0.53%), 25,314.50
NASDAQ: Down, 25,955.34
S&P 500: Down, 7,623.68
In the Headlines
Revenue Growth – Plus500 (LSE:PLUS)
Financial technology group Plus500 reported an 11 per cent increase in third-quarter revenue to $203.2 million, with EBITDA rising to $88.4 million. The company now expects full-year revenue and EBITDA to exceed market expectations, supported by customer activity and trading income.
Profit Outlook Raised – Computacenter (LSE:CCC)
Technology services provider Computacenter raised its full-year 2026 adjusted profit before tax outlook to at least £425 million following better-than-expected third-quarter trading. Growth in Technology Sourcing and Professional Services, alongside demand from North American and UK cloud infrastructure customers, supported the revised guidance.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Down (-0.16%), $1.3356
CHF: Up (+0.02%), Fr.1.1022
EUR: Up (+0.43%), €1.1917
JPY: Up (+0.06%), ¥209.9175
AUD: Down (-0.10%), $1.9005
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £60,160.70
Commodities
Copper: Up (+0.36%)
Gold: Up (+0.19%)
Brent Crude: Down (-1.76%)
Natural Gas: Up (+0.73%)
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