The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.33% Higher

The FTSE 100 traded 0.5% higher on Tuesday, following a 1.6% gain in the previous session, supported by optimism over easing tensions in Iran. Mining stocks led the advance, with Antofagasta climbing nearly 3%. Anglo American added over 1.5%, while gold producers Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining gained around 1.5%. Unilever edged up 0.5% amid ongoing talks with McCormick over a potential foods business deal. Banking stocks are in focus after the Financial Conduct Authority confirmed a £7.5 billion car loan redress bill. HSBC Holdings remained largely unchanged, while Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, and NatWest Group posted gains. On the other hand, energy giants Shell and BP declined as oil prices softened. Meanwhile, revised data confirmed the UK economy grew 0.1% in the fourth quarter, matching initial estimates. House prices also surprised to the upside, rising 0.9% this month compared to 0.3% in February. Considering March, the UK index is down by around 6.5%.

The FTSE 100 Index is up by 34 points or 0.33 percent on Tuesday. Top gainers are London Stock Exchange (2.33%), Barratt Redrow (2.25%) and Unite Group (2.07%). Biggest losses came from Airtel Africa (-2.47%), Rolls-Royce (-1.22%) and Burberry (-0.56%).

The FTSE 100 Index gained 143 points or 1.43 percent on Monday to close at 10110 points. Gains were led by Burberry (4.09%), Land Securities (3.90%) and London Stock Exchange (3.80%).