FTSE 100 Underperforms Europe on Energy, Earnings

The FTSE 100 Index went up by 18 points or 0.17 percent on Tuesday to close at 10601 points. The rise was led by Intertek (12.96%), Easyjet Plc (4.83%) and Fresnillo (3.82%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Imperial Brands (-5.29%), Shell (-2.95%) and British American Tobacco (-2.91%).

The FTSE 100 rose just 0.2% on Tuesday, underperforming broader European gains of more than 1%, amid weakness in energy stocks and disappointing corporate updates. Oil majors Shell and BP fell 3% and 2.5% respectively as Brent and WTI slipped below $100, with markets watching potential US–Iran talks ahead of a two-week ceasefire deadline. Imperial Brands dropped more than 5% after warning of market share losses, despite keeping guidance unchanged, citing ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Its peer and heavyweight British American Tobacco lost around 3%. On the upside, Intertek surged over 10% after announcing a strategic review that could include a business split, while reaffirming its outlook. Travel stocks also gained, with EasyJet up 4.8% and IAG rising 3% on easing tensions. Investors now turn to upcoming earnings from Antofagasta and Barratt Redrow.

The FTSE 100 moved higher on Tuesday amid expectations of further talks between the US and Iran, even as President Donald Trump initiated a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a potential ceasefire deadline next week. Oil prices eased with both Brent and WTI falling below $100, supporting market sentiment. Mining stocks led gains, with Fresnillo up more than 2%, Endeavour Mining rising over 1.5%, and Antofagasta gaining more than 2.5% alongside Anglo American and Glencore, while travel names EasyJet and IAG climbed around 1.7%. Intertek surged over 10% after launching a strategic review that could see it split its business, while maintaining its annual outlook. On the downside, Imperial Brands dropped nearly 6% after warning of market share losses despite keeping guidance unchanged, citing ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. BP also flagged that the Middle East conflict is likely to impact its first-quarter performance.