353 stories mentioning FTSE 100Updated 2d ago
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.
Britain's construction sector remained in a downturn in August amid declines in residential, commercial and civil engineering activity levels, S&P Global said Friday.The S&P Global UK Construction PMI stood at 44.3, lower than the previous month's 44.7 and the consensus estimate of 45.8. The latest reading marks the 20th straight month the index came in below the neutral 50 threshold.
The UK's new car registrations rose 13.7% year over year to 94,236 units in August, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders published Friday.For the eight months to August, new car sales in Britain totaled 1,388,735 units, up 9.8% annually.
London shares rallied on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.70% higher, as investors welcomed the fastest growth in Britain's private sector output in four months during August.The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK PMI Composite Output Index rose to 52.5 in August, as initially estimated, from 52.2 in the previous month. In the final report, the expansion was attributed to an acceleration in services output growth, while manufacturing production increased at the slowest pace in four months."Service providers are increasingly optimistic about the year ahead business outlook, with confidence levels now close to those seen just prior to the Middle East conflict. However, business activity growth projections were still subdued in comparison to long-run trends amid lingering worries about inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions," S&P Global Market Intelligence Economics Director Tim Moore said.In corporate news, British investment manager M&G (MNG.L) was up 1.46% as it swung to a loss attributable to equity holders for the six months ended June 30 of 170 million pounds sterling from an attributable profit of 243 million pounds a year ago."Net income, however, was a big miss to consensus at GBP-165m vs GBP172mE, after GBP325m Ground Rent impact, GBP120m from equity hedges, and an increase in restructuring costs from GBP37m to GBP60m y/y (vs RBCe GBP35m)," RBC Capital Markets said. "For FY26, M&G now guides to a 'low double-digit' [adjusted operating profit] yoy growth (vs FY25 flat, and +15% in H1); with FY26 company compiled consensus already at +11% (RBCe: 12%), we see limited room for FY26 upgrades post today's release."Meanwhile, Jet2 (JET2.L), up 3.91%, is targeting the transfer of its entire share capital to the main market of the London stock exchange from the AIM segment before the end of its current financial year. The leisure travel company also booked a 7.6% yearly increase in summer 2026 seat capacity to 19.9 million seats.Hilton Food Group's (HFG.L) stock surged 12.12% after the food company raised its full-year expectations for adjusted profit before tax from continuing operations to between 66 million pounds and 71 million pounds, from the previous range of 60 million pounds to 65 million pounds.On the geopolitical front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that actions against Iran will persist to stop threats to global shipping lanes. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he does not expect the renewed military operations against Iran to stretch on for a long time.
The UK government's gross reserve assets increased to $228.11 billion in August from $220.13 billion in July, according to Bank of England data published Thursday.The amount consists of $121.96 billion in foreign currency reserves, $7.40 billion in International Monetary Fund reserve position, $38.91 billion in special drawing rights, $45.66 billion in gold, and $14.18 billion in other reserve assets.
Britain's private sector output growth accelerated in August, albeit at only a "moderate" pace, with the services sector logging a faster rate of output increase and manufacturing production seeing its softest growth in four months.The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Composite PMI rose to 52.5 in August from 52.2 in the previous month, according to final data published Thursday. The latest reading is in line with the flash estimate and marks the highest since April.Meanwhile, the services PMI came in at 52.5, compared with the prior 52.1 and the preliminary reading of 52.8.
British stocks extended their losses Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.26% at close, as renewed US strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns over oil supplies and pushed crude prices to more than one-month highs.The strikes came in response to Iranian missile launches targeting a US base in Jordan and ships transiting the waterway. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face further attacks if it retaliated, while Tehran continued its "decisive operation" against US bases in the region.Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted British Virgin accounts linked to Iran, with a plan to target airline leasing companies to enforce planned economic sanctions. In two years, oil will be transported through land pipelines, giving countries a way around the Strait of Hormuz, Bessent said.Back home, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey is set to deliver his first major speech in his new role on Sept. 7, Politico reported, citing four people with knowledge of the date. The Treasury did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.In corporate news, Cairn Homes (CRN.L) shares rose 3.83% amid a yearly increase in attributable profit and revenue for the first half. The Irish homebuilder updated its full-year revenue outlook to 1.08 billion euros, the top end of its previously guided range, and launched a share buyback program of up to 50 million euros.Halma (HLMA.L) also gained 0.85% after agreeing to acquire US-based water quality monitoring and analysis technology company Pyxis for an initial consideration of $170 million. The British safety technology company will make additional milestone-based earnout payments of up to $30 million.Meanwhile, British energy giant BP (BP.L) edged up 0.04% after announcing that Interim Chair Ian Tyler will take on the role permanently. Tyler replaced Albert Manifold in May after the latter was removed over governance and conduct concerns.
UK stocks traded lower after a long weekend, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.29% in the red on Tuesday, as investors weighed renewed US-Iran fighting and a sharp pickup in UK shop price inflation.Over the weekend, the US targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, triggering Iranian retaliatory strikes on the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US must honor the terms of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed in June to resolve the military and economic crisis.Meanwhile, a survey by the British Retail Consortium showed that the UK's shop price inflation climbed to an over two-year high of 1.5% year over year in August, from 0.9% a month ago. The consensus estimate for the month was 0.9%."The impact of higher energy, input and commodity costs is beginning to filter through into prices, particularly for ambient foods which are typically imported and processed. In non-food, electrical prices rose amid the ongoing AI boom, which is forcing up the price of memory chips and storage," said BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson. "The months ahead look challenging for households, with rising bills putting further pressure on budgets."Separately, seasonally adjusted house prices in the UK were 0.2% higher on a monthly basis, against the revised 0.1% decline earlier and the expected 0.1% increase, according to data from the Nationwide Building Society.In corporate news, Bunzl (BNZL.L), down 2.83%, upgraded its guidance to reflect a "modest" adjusted operating profit growth at constant exchange rates, while maintaining its expectation for revenue growth. The British distribution and outsourcing company reported higher year-over-year attributable profit and revenue for the first half."A decent beat at the EBIT level boosted in H1 by (unquantified) stock profits from higher product pricing in response to Iran-related input cost inflation with the FY margin outlook commensurately upgraded," RBC Capital Markets said. "The other key positive for sentiment is the new GBP500m buyback (~6% of market cap) as the group is below its target leverage range, though low M&A YTD puts pressure on the remaining 4 months of the year to deliver against the group's promise of a meaningful step-up in activity made at last year's M&A-focussed seminar."AstraZeneca (AZN.L) gained 0.15% after finalizing its exclusive license agreement with Dizal Pharmaceutical Co. for Zegfrovy, an oral irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor for patients with lung cancer. For an upfront payment of $600 million and additional payments of up to $900 million, AstraZeneca secured worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the drug.
The UK's manufacturing sector remained in growth territory in August, although the increase in output and new orders lost momentum.The final S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI stood at 51.7, against the previous month's 51.9 and the flash estimate of 51.5, S&P Global said Tuesday. The latest reading marks the 10th straight month the index came in above the neutral 50 threshold.
Britain's M4 money supply declined 0.3% month over month in July, against the revised 0.9% gain in June, the Bank of England said Tuesday.Analysts expected a 0.9% increase for the month.
Net borrowing of consumer credit by individuals in the UK stood at 2.01 billion pounds sterling in July, following the revised 1.87 billion pounds in June, according to Bank of England data published Tuesday.The consensus estimate for the month was 1.80 billion pounds.Meanwhile, net mortgage approvals for house purchases came in at 56,053, compared with the revised 58,215 in the prior month and the expected 59,000.
The annual growth rate of house prices in the UK accelerated to 1.6% in August, from the revised 1.4% in July, according to data from the Nationwide Building Society published Tuesday.The consensus estimate for the month was a 2.1% increase in housing prices.The average price of houses was 275,465 pounds sterling, down from 276,581 pounds a month ago.On a monthly basis, seasonally adjusted house prices were 0.2% higher, against the revised 0.1% decline earlier and the expected 0.1% increase.
The UK's shop price inflation climbed 1.5% year over year in August, from 0.9% a month ago, a survey by the British Retail Consortium showed Tuesday.The latest reading was above the consensus estimate of 0.9% and marks an over two-year high.BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson attributed the rise in inflation to higher energy, input, and commodity costs, noting "challenging" months ahead for households.
London shares staged a recovery at the end of the week, with the UK's FTSE 100 index up 0.22% at closing on Friday, as investors continued to assess the economic fallout from the six-month-old Iran conflict and its impact on energy markets.The conflict has kept fuel prices and the security of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in focus, with diplomatic efforts to ease tensions yet to produce a lasting resolution. "It is noteworthy that in the run-up to this inauspicious anniversary, there has been something of a messaging shift from the White House, with imminent conflict conclusion narratives being replaced by ones of the Hormuz being essentially open," RBC Capital Markets said.On the domestic front, data from the UK's Office for National Statistics showed the Household Costs Index rose 2.8% in the 12 months to June, slowing from 3.6% in the year to March. The measure, which tracks the costs faced by UK households, showed annual inflation easing across several household groups.Meanwhile, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority secured compensation for customers whose heating-oil orders were canceled after prices surged amid supply restrictions linked to the Middle East conflict. The regulator said the cancellations may have violated contracts, with the affected customers to receive compensation under a scheme agreed with participating suppliers.On the corporate front, Shell (SHEL.L) ended years-long discussions with Polish energy group Unimot over the potential sale of its interest in the Russia-linked Schwedt refinery in Germany, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Shell shares closed 0.88% in the green.In court-related news, Alphabet's Google agreed to pay 260 million pounds sterling to settle a UK collective action alleging it abused its market position and overcharged app developers through its Play Store. The settlement is subject to court approval.Next week, investors will turn to Nationwide's house price data, mortgage approvals and final S&P UK manufacturing, services and construction PMI readings. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey is also scheduled to speak on Sept. 4.
British equities traded in the red on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.75% at closing, as crude oil prices increased amid waning optimism over a US-Iran peace deal and heightened geopolitical tensions involving Russia.UK total vehicle manufacturing fell 11.6% year over year to 63,655 units in July, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said. Car production declined 10.6% to 61,767 units, while commercial vehicle output dropped 34.4% to 1,888 units."July's figures underline the intense pressure under which UK vehicle manufacturers are currently operating. Although the negative performance is exacerbated by shutdown calendarisation and model changeovers, it is being compounded by weaker overseas demand and fierce global competition," SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said.Meanwhile, Iran has yet to reach terms with Oman for a temporary joint maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported, citing Iranian sources. Russia is also reportedly preparing for further attacks on Ukraine following failed peace negotiations, while concerns over potential hostilities involving Baltic NATO members have added to geopolitical tensions.In corporate news, AstraZeneca (AZN.L) and Amgen's Tezspire showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis, an immune condition of the esophagus, in high-level results from the phase 3 Crossing trial. AstraZeneca shares slipped 0.70% in the closing session.Prudential (PRU.L), down 2.45%, expanded its $1.2 billion share repurchase program for 2026 by an additional $300 million. The insurer and asset manager also affirmed expectations for double-digit growth in both adjusted EPS and dividend per share for 2026 after reporting a yearly decline in first-half attributable profit to $954 million from $1.28 billion. Insurance revenue increased to $5.90 billion from $5.33 billion.Miner South32 (S32.L) climbed 2.07% after attributable profit for the 12 months ended June 30 grew to $1.09 billion from $213 million year over year, while revenue rose to $5.82 billion from $5.78 billion. "FY27 production is unchanged from July while new FY27 unit cost and capex guidance is slightly weaker than expected," RBC Capital Markets said.
Britain's total vehicle manufacturing dropped 11.6% year over year to 63,655 units in July, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Thursday.Car production slipped 10.6% to 61,767 units, while commercial vehicle output slumped 34.4% to 1,888 units.For the seven months to July, total vehicle manufacturing fell 8.1% annually to 449,634 units.
British equities were little changed on Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.02% higher, as the market weighed the UK Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' 4% hike in the energy price cap for the December quarter and weaker oil prices.Based on Ofgem's existing typical domestic consumption values, the annual bill for a household paying by direct debit will increase to 1,723 pounds sterling starting in October from 1,663 pounds previously. To bring some relief, the government scrapped the 5% value-added tax on all electricity bills from Oct. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027."Removing VAT from domestic electricity has softened the impact of the latest increase for already stretched household budgets. But more is needed for businesses as well, as high energy prices feed into wider costs. Improving the competitiveness and predictability of UK energy costs will be essential to unlocking investment, supporting industry and delivering economic growth," said Clare Maio, global lead partner at KPMG UK.On the upside, the US and Iran may reportedly work toward a new ceasefire deal in the coming days. Deutsche Bank Research expects these non-definitive but encouraging headlines to push oil prices to their "biggest weekly decline since June." Additionally, Iran and Oman discussed setting up an interim joint maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.In corporate news, FTSE Russell signaled that sports betting and gaming company Entain (ENT.L) and homebuilder Persimmon (PSN.L) will exit the FTSE 100 in its September reshuffle, paving the way for budget airline easyJet (EZJ.L) and oil and gas company Ithaca Energy (ITH.L) to join the blue-chip index. Persimmon was 1.56% higher, while easyJet, Ithaca and Entain dropped 0.50%, 0.89% and 2.11%, respectively.Precious metals mining company Hochschild Mining (HOC.L) surged 6.31% after interim profit attributable to equity shareholders increased year over year to $189.7 million from $90.9 million, while revenue rose to $844.4 million from $520 million."HOC raised cost guidance by ~10% to $2,380-2,500/oz to reflect higher gold/silver prices compared to the assumptions in the initial budget (based on $3,200/oz gold, $34/oz silver) and stronger currencies. The new guidance is in line with our forecasts, and the upcoming guidance change had been signalled with Q2 results, so we think this should not catch the market by surprise," RBC Capital Markets said.Meanwhile, AEW UK REIT (AEWU.L) is ending its pursuit of fellow London-listed real estate investment trust Alternative Income REIT (AIRE.L), citing a lack of support and a competing offer from the target's major shareholder Glenstone REIT. AEW UK REIT shares gained 0.19%, and Alternative Income REIT was down 1.71% at closing.
The Confederation of British Industry distributive trade survey's retail sales balance dropped to -48% in August from -26% in the previous month, according to data published Wednesday.The consensus estimate was -35% for the month.
The UK's Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, or Ofgem, on Wednesday announced a 4% energy price cap increase in the fourth quarter, mainly driven by higher wholesale gas prices amid volatile global gas markets due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.Based on the regulator's current typical domestic consumption values, the annual energy price cap for a typical household that uses electricity and gas and pays by direct debit will increase to 1,723 pounds sterling from 1,663 pounds, beginning Oct. 1.Ofgem previously raised the price cap by 13% from July 1 to Sept. 30. With the latest increase, British households are facing the highest energy price cap level in three years this winter, according to BBC News and The Guardian.Around 35% of households are on fixed tariffs and will not be impacted by the increase, Ofgem said in its release, adding that electricity bills will remain "broadly stable" for households as a result of the government's removal of value added tax from all domestic electricity bills."High international gas prices are continuing to drive energy costs in the UK. We welcome the Government's intervention to remove VAT from electricity bills, without which customers would have faced even higher costs this winter," said Neil Kenward, Ofgem's director general for markets.The regulator noted that the price cap increase will see gas bills rise by 8%, while households that do not use gas will see a "much smaller increase" of less than 1%."Removing VAT from domestic electricity has softened the impact of the latest increase for already stretched household budgets. But more is needed for businesses as well, as high energy prices feed into wider costs," said Clare Maio, partner for energy and natural resources at KPMG in the UK. "Improving the competitiveness and predictability of UK energy costs will be essential to unlocking investment, supporting industry and delivering economic growth."
British stocks rose for the sixth consecutive session, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.28% higher on Tuesday, amid uncertainty over the timing and scope of potential US secondary sanctions on Iran.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions on 60 Iran-linked entities and individuals but provided limited details on the implementation of secondary sanctions. Bessent said the US was allowing Iran's trading partners to "remedy bad behavior," while warning that a "major" financial institution would be sanctioned later this week.At home, Prime Minister Andy Burnham left the possibility of tax rises open ahead of his inaugural Budget on Oct. 28, citing the UK's "challenging" public finances.Meanwhile, the UK government announced nearly 10 billion pounds sterling in funding for more than 70,000 social and affordable homes across the country, with 60% allotted for social rent.In corporate news, Melrose Industries (MRO.L) surged 10.56% to the top of the blue-chip index after its GKN Aerospace unit proposed a $100 million claims program for eligible residents and businesses affected by a May evacuation order linked to an incident at its California facility. The aerospace and defense company also noted that a criminal investigation into the incident had concluded, with no charges being filed."With Melrose now [targeting] an end September resumption of full manufacturing with a phased ramp in Q4, we see this as a positive clarification," RBC Capital Markets said. "There is still some uncertainty around potential expectation costs, but an up to $100m program for local residents gives a sense of end costs that while significant, will be manageable and not overly impactful on the longer term attractions of the business - we retain an Outperform rating."AstraZeneca (AZN.L) gained 2.92% as AstraZeneca Finance priced four tranches of fixed-rate notes with a combined principal amount of 2.55 billion euros. The offering is expected to close on Sept. 1, with net proceeds earmarked for general corporate expenditures.EasyJet (EZJ.L) and Apollo Global Management-backed Eagle Bidco agreed to push the deadline for publishing the scheme document for their proposed merger to Oct. 15, 2026, with completion of the acquisition expected in the first quarter of 2027. Shares of the British budget airline ended 0.30% in the green.
British equities started the new week higher, with the FTSE 100 up 0.38% at Monday's close, as investors assessed falling Brent crude prices ahead of expected US retaliation against Iran.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is poised to announce the "toughest" sanctions in history against Iran and its trading partners at a press conference later today. Labeled an "Economic D-Day" for Iran, the measures will launch a campaign of "the greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world," Bessent said.Meanwhile, Iran maintained its stance to hold off oil flow from the Gulf if the "economic war" continued. "Although direct military strikes have eased in recent weeks, the lack of meaningful negotiations means the prospects for any deal are slim in the short term," Danske Bank said.In corporate news, GSK's (GSK.L) supplemental biologics license application for Jemperli, or dostarlimab, as a treatment for advanced rectal cancer was accepted for priority review by the US Food and Drug Administration.The pharmaceutical giant's Hibsago also gained its first-ever global approval, with authorization in Japan for use as a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B in adult patients. Still, shares fell 0.91% in the closing session.Shell (SHEL.L) was down 0.40% after the oil giant reportedly received nonbinding indicative offers from energy giant ExxonMobil and chemicals group LyondellBasell for four of its underperforming chemical plants in the US. Potential deals could be valued at up to $8 billion, London's Financial Times said, citing people familiar with the matter. Shell and LyondellBasell had no comment when reached by.On the economic calendar, investors will view the Confederation of British Industry's distributive trades report on Wednesday, car production data on Thursday, and Nationwide housing prices on Friday.
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