The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.30% Lower

The FTSE 100 slipped about 0.3% on Thursday, reversing part of the previous session’s 0.8% rebound as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dampen investor sentiment and weigh on risk assets. Travel-related stocks were among the hardest hit as airlines faced widespread disruptions. Airspace closures across the region have forced carriers worldwide to cancel more than 23,000 flights since the fighting began. As a result, shares of easyJet dropped roughly 4%, while International Airlines Group fell over 3.5%. In contrast, rising crude prices supported energy majors, with BP and Shell each gaining around 1%. Meanwhile, Rentokil Initial jumped nearly 10% after reporting higher annual profits, and Taylor Wimpey gained over 3% after announcing a share buyback and a strong start to its spring selling season.

The FTSE 100 Index is losing -31 points. Losses were led by Easyjet Plc (-3.94%), Rio Tinto (-3.60%) and International Airlines Group (-3.18%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Rentokil Initial (9.52%), Entain (5.83%) and Admiral (3.78%).

The FTSE 100 Index rose 69 points or 0.66 percent on Wednesday to close at 10554 points. Leading the gains are WPP (5.24%), Intertek (4.46%) and Rolls-Royce (4.24%). Top losers were Vistry Group (-24.83%), Weir (-11.17%) and Taylor Wimpey (-2.58%).