255 stories mentioning FTSE 100Updated just now
The UK benchmark swung on US-Iran peace-framework developments, ending one week up 1.63% but later closing 0.39% lower as a 60-day deal awaited signing.
Total new orders in the UK manufacturing sector decreased to -38% in April from -27% in March, the Confederation of British Industry's industrial trends survey showed Thursday.Analysts expected the reading to stand at -34%, according to Investing.com.
Sentiment among UK manufacturers deteriorated in April, with the index dropping to -65% from -19% in January, the Confederation of British Industry said Thursday.
Britain's private sector output growth accelerated in April, supported by modest rebounds in manufacturing production and in services activity, flash data from S&P Global showed Thursday.The flash UK PMI Composite Output Index hit a two-month high of 52 in April, compared with 50.3 in the previous month and the consensus of 49.8.Meanwhile, the manufacturing PMI rose to a 47-month high of 53.6 from the prior 51 and the Investing.com analyst consensus of 50.3. On the services side, the PMI came in at a two-month high of 52, against the previous 50.5 and the market forecast of 50.
Public sector net borrowing in the UK, excluding public sector banks, stood at 12.61 billion pounds sterling in March 2026, 1.4 billion pounds less than in the prior-year period.The latest figure marked the lowest March reading since 2022, not adjusted for inflation, according to data from the Office for National Statistics published Thursday. A month earlier, the reading was a revised surplus of 12.82 billion pounds.Analysts expected a surplus of 10.4 billion pounds for the month.
London's FTSE 100 was downbeat on Wednesday, closing 0.21% lower, after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran, while the UK inflation matched expectations in March."In the Middle East conflict, Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely just before its expiry after Iran refused further negotiations due to unreasonable US demands. This marks a U-turn in tone, as Trump had earlier ruled out an extension and hinted at military action. With Iran reportedly not requesting the ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz issue still unresolved, Iran appears to hold the upper hand at present," Danske Bank said.In economic news back home, Britain's annual inflation rate climbed to 3.3% in March from 3% in February, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. The latest reading aligned with the consensus estimate."Surging petrol prices explained all of the rise in CPI inflation from 3.0% yoy in February to 3.3% yoy in March, as forecasters expected," Berenberg said. "Away from energy prices inflation behaved well, as shown by the unexpected drop in the core inflation rate from 3.2% yoy to 3.1% yoy (Bloomberg consensus 3.2%). We doubt that CPI inflation will stay above 3% for much longer. Although petrol prices rose further in April, the resulting upward pressure on the headline rate should be more than offset by government intervention and helpful base effects."In corporate news, distribution and outsourcing group Bunzl (BNZL.L) gained 2.12% to become one of the biggest gainers on the blue-chip index after affirming its 2026 revenue guidance while logging a 1.5% revenue growth at constant exchange rates for the first quarter."Reassurance from BNZL's Q1 update with the FY26 outlook reaffirmed and ongoing confidence in the prospect for an M&A pick up in FY26, which is key to the BNZL investment case in our view," RBC Capital Markets said. "We envisage a small outperformance vs. the sector today."Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser (RKT.L), down 4.60%, was the FTSE 100's second-worst performer after group net revenue for the first quarter declined year over year to 3.25 billion pounds sterling from 3.68 billion pounds."Core Reckitt drove a miss on Q1 growth performance, with the biggest miss coming from Emerging Markets," RBC said in another note. "Despite the softer-than-expected performance and the current uncertainty arising from the war in the Middle East, the company has maintained its FY26 Core Reckitt [like-for-like] growth guidance (+4-5%) as the company expect to benefit from the reset of the cold & flu season and continue strong performance in Emerging Markets."
The headline inflation rate in the UK climbed in March, as the war in the Middle East triggered a surge in fuel costs, reinforcing market forecasts that the Bank of England would likely keep interest rates steady at its upcoming monetary policy meeting.The annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.3% in March from 3% in the previous month, according to data from the Office for National Statistics published Wednesday. The latest figure was consistent with the consensus estimate.On a monthly basis, the consumer price index rose 0.7%, against the previous 0.4% growth and the expected 0.6% gain.The ONS largely attributed the increase in inflation to the transport division, particularly higher fuel prices, which Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said saw their largest increase in over three years.Prices in the transport division increased 4.7% in the 12 months to March 2026, up from 2.4% in the 12 months to February 2026. Overall motor fuel prices jumped 4.9%, marking the highest level recorded since January 2023."Airfares were another upward driver this month, alongside rising food prices. The only significant offset came from clothing costs, where prices rose by less than this time last year," Fitzner added. "The monthly cost of both raw materials for businesses and goods leaving factories rose substantially, driven by higher crude oil and petrol prices."Excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, Britain's annual inflation rate edged down to 3.1% in March, against the prior and projected 3.2%. Month over month, core consumer prices were 0.4% higher, compared with the previous 0.6% gain and the expected 0.5% increase."The latest rise in UK headline CPI tells us virtually nothing about the scale and duration of the inflation wave to come. The Bank of England is still flying blind, with the conflict unresolved. But the limited amount of survey data available so far suggests little cause for alarm on inflation," ING said in a note. "So long as inflation doesn't spike materially above 4% - a level above which the Bank has identified as being more likely to trigger a persistent bout of price pressure - we think the BoE will prefer to keep rates on hold this year."The BoE is scheduled to hold its next monetary policy meeting on April 30.
House prices in the UK rose 0.1% month over month on average in February compared with the previous month's revised 0.5% decline, according to government data published Wednesday.The house price index was up 1.2% on an annual basis, with the average property valued at 268,000 pounds sterling.
The UK's retail prices rose 4.1% year over year in March, following a 3.6% increase in February, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Wednesday.The reading is above market expectations of a 3.9% growth.On a monthly basis, the index was 0.8% higher, against the prior 0.4% increase and the expected 0.7% gain.
Producer input prices in the UK increased 5.4% year over year in March, following a revised 0.7% gain in February, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Wednesday.Meanwhile, producer output or factory gate prices jumped 2.6% annually, against the revised 1.8% rise earlier.On a monthly basis, producer input prices climbed 4.4% in March, compared with the revised 0.9% increase previously and the forecast of a 2.8% gain. Monthly factory gate prices edged up 0.9%, versus a 0.5% decline earlier and a projected 1% growth.
Britain's annual inflation rate climbed to 3.3% in March from 3% in February, according to data from the Office for National Statistics published Wednesday.The latest reading aligned with consensus estimates.On a monthly basis, consumer prices were 0.7% higher, compared with the 0.4% gain earlier and the market forecast of 0.6% growth.Meanwhile, the UK's annual core inflation rate was 3.1%, compared with the prior and expected 3.2%. Month over month, core consumer prices gained 0.4%, against the previous reading of 0.6% increase and the consensus estimate of a 0.5% rise.
The UK government implemented a comprehensive overhaul of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, or Ofgem, to boost the regulator's capabilities to protect consumers.According to a Wednesday public notice, the reforms marked the first major update in the energy regulator's mandate since it was established in the year 2000.The overhaul gave the regulator new powers, including the capability to directly enforce consumer law, measures to ban energy company bonuses if they break the rules, and streamline its remit to increase focus on economic and consumer protection.
London's FTSE 100 closed Tuesday trading 1.05% in the red as the US and Iran's two-week ceasefire nears its expiration on Wednesday evening Eastern time.US President Donald Trump said he does not want to extend the ceasefire deadline and expects "to be bombing" if the two sides fail to reach a deal, according to a phone interview on CNBC's Squawk Box.In economic news back home, Britain's unemployment rate stood at 4.9% in the three months to February, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Analysts expected unemployment to remain stable at 5.2%. Meanwhile, wage growth slowed to 3.8% from a revised 4.1% including bonuses and to 3.6% from 3.8% excluding them, slightly above forecasts of 3.6% and 3.5%, respectively."The Bank of England's (BoE's) preferred measure of pay growth slowed to the pace it believes is consistent with CPI inflation meeting the 2% target," Berenberg said. "Taking the official and survey data in the round, our view is that the jobs market stabilised. However, forward looking indicators flag a risk of further deterioration. In either case, few job vacancies relative to the number of people looking for work should prevent a rise in energy prices from setting off a new price-wage spiral."At Downing Street, long‑term fixed‑price contracts for renewables were proposed alongside increased taxation on excess revenues generated from electricity production to sever the link between international gas prices and electricity rates across the UK. "Our focus is simple: easing pressure on household budgets now, while building a homegrown energy system that protects families from global instability in the years ahead," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.In corporate news, Associated British Foods (ABF.L) dropped 2.68% as it plans to demerge its fast-fashion retail business, Primark, from its FoodCo business and list them as separate entities."ABF reported their H1-26 results today and, as we expected, will demerge Primark (which will be completed by Sep-27). This is a good decision in the long-term but which will not create short-term value on our estimates," Bernstein said. "The business remains weak across the board with profits declining -17% YoY and margins compressing -150 [basis points], driven by weakness in Primark, grocery and sugar. Vs. consensus, revenue was broadly in line (-0.5%) but EBIT missed by -5% (driven by grocery) whilst Primark margins were a little stronger (+20bps beat but this included a non-recurring benefit, which if excluded, leads to a margin miss)."On the upside, data and technology company Experian (EXPN.L) climbed 2.34%, taking a spot among the top performers on the blue-chip index, after appointing Adam Crozier as its chair designate, effective May 12.
Unemployment benefits claims in the UK rose by 26,849 in March, after a revised increase of 17,100 in the prior month, data from the Office for National Statistics showed Tuesday.The consensus estimate for the month indicated growth of 21,400 in unemployment benefit claims.
Britain's unemployment rate stood at 4.9% in the three months to February, down from 5.2% in the prior three-month period, according to data from the Office for National Statistics published Tuesday.Analysts expected unemployment to remain stable at 5.2%.Meanwhile, the UK employment rate was 75% during the quarter to February.
Britain's average weekly pay, including bonuses, increased 3.8% year over year in the quarter to February, following a revised 4.1% jump in the prior three-month period, the Office for National Statistics said Tuesday.The latest reading is above the consensus estimate of a 3.6% growth.Excluding bonuses, the growth in average weekly earnings was 3.6%, against the 3.8% earlier and the expected 3.5%.
British equities began the new week lower, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.59% in the red on Monday, as escalating tensions between the US and Iran depressed global markets and dampened the prospects of further peace talks."The Middle East conflict escalated early this morning as the US intercepted an Iranian cargo ship trying to breach its maritime blockade, prompting Iran to vow retaliation. The prospects for a second round of negotiations remain uncertain ahead of the ceasefire's expiration on Tuesday, with Iran refusing to participate unless the blockade is lifted," Danske Bank said.In the UK, consumer confidence weakened further in April as households' inflation worries grew due to the ongoing war in the Middle East and rising expectations about monetary policy tightening from the Bank of England. The S&P Global UK Consumer Sentiment Index fell to a 33-month low of 42.3 in April from 44.1 in March, according to a survey by S&P Global.Next, investors will assess labor data on Tuesday, inflation on Wednesday, S&P Global PMIs on Thursday, and retail sales on Friday. "Headline inflation should rise from 3.0% in February to 3.3% in March due to higher energy prices. In turn, core inflation is likely to move up from 3.2% to 3.3% with services inflation rising from 4.3% to 4.4% and core goods flat at 1.3%. We expect the unemployment rate to be flat at 5.2% in the three months to February with an 80K increase in 3m/3m employment," BofA Global Research said.In corporate news, Tesco (TSCO.L) gained 1.62% to the FTSE 100's top risers list as Deutsche Bank Research raised the retail giant's price target to 5.25 pounds sterling from 5 pounds, with a buy rating."Tesco delivered another profit beat in FY26 but set out a cautious outlook for FY27, underlining an intention to defend value amid macro uncertainty. We view this as conservative (DBe at the upper end of the profit range). While there are risks to the UK consumer and inflation, Tesco is well placed to navigate this supported by its defensive profile, strong competitive position, incremental profit streams to drive price re-investment, and a track record of over-delivering," analysts said.On the contrary, Deutsche Bank reduced the price target for Barratt Redrow (BTRW.L) to 3.66 pounds from 4.54 pounds, with a buy rating. The residential property developer was down 4.37% to become one of the worst performers on the blue-chip index."Barratt's Q3 update showed a resilient sales rate, marginally up y/y - supported by competitive pricing and incentives, and so far unaffected by the Middle East war and higher mortgage rates. Whilst demand could yet be impacted, a greater certainty is that cost inflation will rise, and we are already seeing evidence of this. To reflect this and the possibility that a weaker year-end order book will inhibit volume growth in FY27, we reduce our [pretax profit] forecasts by 3/18/18% for FY26/27/28 - albeit acknowledge there is a wide range of potential outcomes," analysts said.
Consumer confidence in the UK further weakened in April as households' inflation worries grew amid geopolitical uncertainty due to the ongoing war in the Middle East and rising expectations that the Bank of England would tighten its monetary policy.The S&P Global UK Consumer Sentiment Index fell to a 33-month low of 42.3 in April from 44.1 in March, according to a survey by S&P Global released Monday.Sentiment regarding households' financial well-being over the next 12 months stood at its most downbeat since July 2023. UK consumers also took on more debt in April 2026, with debt levels reaching a two-month high.
London's FTSE 100 closed the trading week 0.73% higher on Friday amid renewed optimism over the resolution of the Middle East conflict as a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon takes effect."The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon removes one key obstacle for the US-Iran talks. However, a number of issues remain, not least Iran's nuclear program and the control of the Strait of Hormuz," Danske Bank said in a note. "We expect the ceasefire to be extended over the weekend, but as European and Gulf officials warned yesterday, we think a more permanent deal will take months."With the agreement in place, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post on X that the Strait of Hormuz is "declared completely open" for all commercial vessels "for the remaining period of ceasefire."The UK economic calendar was quiet for the day. Looking ahead, next week will see the release of several private sector and economy-related data, including the March British inflation figures.On the corporate side, Fitch affirmed Kingfisher plc's (KGF.L) BBB long-term issuer default rating, with a stable outlook, mainly reflecting its leading position in the home improvement retail market and expectations that the company's credit metrics will remain in line with its rating. The stock was up 2.39% at closing.Meanwhile, oil and gas giants BP (BP.L) and Shell (SHEL.L) were among the blue-chip index's top fallers, logging respective declines of 7.36% and 5.57% at the end of the trading session.
The UK's FTSE 100 rallied 0.29% on Thursday's close after government data showed better-than-expected economic growth in February, while the US blockade of Iranian ports continues as the Trump administration seeks a peace agreement with Iran.The UK's gross domestic product expanded 0.5% month over month in February, following a revised 0.1% growth in January, the Office for National Statistics said. The reading beat market expectations for a 0.1% uptick."The large upside surprise to GDP growth in February will reignite concerns about residual seasonality in the GDP statistics, but nonetheless confirms that the economy made a good start to the year," Berenberg said. "On an annual basis, growth picked up from 0.7% yoy to 1.0% yoy as a strong February made up for a disappointing end to 2025. Sadly, the start of the Iran war on 28 February will stop the upswing in its tracks."In corporate news, Entain (ENT.L) climbed 6.02% to become one of the top risers on the blue-chip index after reiterating its 2026 guidance for online net gaming revenue to rise between 5% and 7% on a constant currency basis. The sports betting and gaming company's net gaming revenue rose 3% for the first quarter, with online net gaming revenue rising 5% and retail net gaming revenue down 3%."Our strong and resilient business has started the year well, and we continue to build on this momentum. Our sharper focus and optimisation initiatives reinforce our conviction in delivering sustainable growth and improving cash generation. Entain remains well positioned to be a long-term industry winner, seizing the many opportunities ahead, and I am confident in our future," Chief Executive Officer Stella David said.On the flip side, Rentokil Initial (RTO.L) fell 0.82% at closing. The pest control and hygiene services company logged a 4.3% yearly rise in first-quarter revenue while projecting full-year performance in line with market expectations."Q1 organic growth was slightly ahead at 3.4% (vs our forecast of 3.0%)," RBC Capital Markets said. "Within that US Pest Control Services growth was 2.8% - slightly better than Q4's 2.6%, despite the tough weather in Jan. This was partly offset by weaker growth in International, due to tough Pacific [comparables] and Middle East impacts."
(Corrects reference to the analyst expectations in the second paragraph)The UK's gross domestic product expanded 0.5% month over month in February, following a revised 0.1% growth in January, the Office for National Statistics said Thursday.The reading compares with analysts' expectations of a 0.1% increase for the month.On a yearly basis, the British economy grew 1%, against the prior revised 0.7% increase and the market forecast of a 0.6% jump.
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