The FTSE 100 Index Opens 1.08% Lower

The FTSE 100 fell 1% to around the 10,800 level on Monday, weighed down by a broad market sell-off and rising safe-haven demand as geopolitical tensions intensified. The decline followed a series of attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, which triggered retaliatory strikes by Tehran against regional targets, further heightening uncertainty. Financial stocks were among the worst performers, with HSBC Holdings dropping 4.5%, Barclays sliding 5.7%, and Lloyds Banking Group losing 3%. Airlines also came under heavy pressure amid flight disruptions and cancellations, as International Airlines Group (IAG) tumbled 6.6% and easyJet fell 3.9%. In contrast, energy stocks outperformed, buoyed by a sharp surge in oil and gas prices. Shell climbed 6.1%, while BP gained nearly 3%. Defense shares also advanced, with BAE Systems jumping 6.1%.

The FTSE 100 Index is losing -118 points. Losses were led by Informa (-9.81%), International Airlines Group (-7.25%) and Barclays (-5.88%).

The FTSE 100 Index rose 81 points or 0.75 percent on Friday to close at 10928 points. Leading the gains are London Stock Exchange (5.29%), Diageo (4.84%) and Rightmove (4.73%). Top losers were Melrose (-12.70%), International Airlines Group (-6.98%) and Barclays (-4.71%).