FTSE 100 falls as Unilever raises its sales outlook and Aston Martin reports higher revenue. Brent crude gains amid Middle East supply concerns.
Market Overview
The FTSE 100 declined 0.31 per cent to 10,652.96 in early trading on Wednesday, as investors assessed corporate earnings and awaited the UK Budget. Unilever and GSK weighed on sentiment despite reporting quarterly growth. European markets were mixed, with the Euronext 100 down 0.24 per cent from its opening level to 1,871.79, while Germany’s DAX fell 0.13 per cent to 25,556.82. Wall Street closed higher on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq rising to 26,477.81 and the S&P 500 advancing to 7,722.60. Investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and earnings from major US technology companies.
Commodity markets were mixed, with copper and gold declining slightly, while Brent crude advanced amid renewed Middle Eastern supply concerns following a reported attack on a Saudi Arabian refinery. Natural gas remained unchanged. Bitcoin strengthened against sterling, while the pound weakened against the US dollar, euro, Japanese yen and Australian dollar but gained against the Swiss franc. Attention remained focused on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, UK fiscal developments and geopolitical risks affecting energy markets.
Market Numbers
FTSE 100: Down (-0.31%), 10,652.96
Euronext 100: Down (-0.24%), 1,871.79
DAX: Down (-0.13%), 25,556.82
NASDAQ: Up, 26,477.81
S&P 500: Up, 7,722.60
In the Headlines
Sales Growth – Unilever (LSE:ULVR)
Consumer goods group Unilever reported 5.2 per cent underlying sales growth in the third quarter, supported by higher volumes across its Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care and Home Care divisions. The company raised its full-year underlying volume growth outlook to at least 3 per cent, although its shares came under pressure in early trading.
Revenue Growth – Aston Martin (LSE:AML)
Luxury carmaker Aston Martin reported a 36 per cent increase in third-quarter revenue to £388.7 million, supported by deliveries of its Valhalla supercar and higher average selling prices. The company maintained its 2026 financial guidance, with Valhalla deliveries contributing to its revenue mix and margins.
Currencies (vs GBP)
USD: Up (+0.09%), $1.3294
CHF: Down (-0.06%), Fr.1.1037
EUR: Up (+0.08%), €1.1949
JPY: Up (+0.28%), ¥209.69
AUD: Up (+0.12%), $1.8901
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up (+2.19%), £61,315.10
Commodities
Copper: Down
Gold: Down
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Unchanged
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