The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.11% Higher

The FTSE 100 Index is gaining 12 points or 0.11 percent on Tuesday. Leading the gains are SSE (3.62%), Centrica (1.76%) and Burberry (1.40%). Top losers are Associated British Foods (-4.27%), Vistry Group (-1.92%) and Persimmon (-1.42%).

The FTSE 100 was little changed on Tuesday after a 0.6% decline in the previous session, as cautious optimism over potential progress in Middle East peace talks supported sentiment ahead of a ceasefire deadline. The pharma sector lagged, with AstraZeneca down 1.3% and GSK losing 1.5%. Associated British Foods was the biggest faller, dropping more than 4% after announcing plans to separate Primark, signaling a breakup of the conglomerate. On the upside, utilities led gains with SSE rising 3.2% and Centrica up 1.8%, while Experian added over 1% after naming Adam Crozier as chair designate. On the data front, UK unemployment fell to 4.9%, below the previous 5.2% and expectations, while wage growth slowed to 3.8% including bonuses and 3.6% excluding them, both slightly above forecasts.

The FTSE 100 Index dropped -71 points or 0.66 percent on Monday to close at 10597 points. Losses were led by Vistry Group (-4.68%), Antofagasta (-4.43%) and Persimmon (-3.74%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Centrica (2.94%), BP (2.59%) and Shell (2.19%).