FTSE 100 Trades Cautiously Higher Ahead BoE

2026-04-30 07:41 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

The FTSE 100 traded flat to higher on Thursday ahead of the Bank of England rate decision, outperforming weaker European peers as gains in energy stocks helped offset broader losses.

Shell and BP provided support as Brent crude surged to a wartime high of $126 following reports that the US may consider further military action in Iran, heightening inflation concerns ahead of key central bank meetings.

The Federal Reserve held rates steady, though divisions among policymakers are growing amid uncertainty tied to the Middle East conflict.

The BOE is expected to keep rates at 3.75%, though markets now price multiple hikes later this year.

Standard Chartered rose 0.5% after reporting record profit, while Unilever gained 0.3% on stronger underlying sales, driven by emerging markets despite currency headwinds.

Rolls-Royce jumped 2.8% after a solid update and steady guidance, and Glencore added 0.9% on upbeat trading outlook.



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FTSE 100 Trades Cautiously Higher Ahead BoE
The FTSE 100 traded flat to higher on Thursday ahead of the Bank of England rate decision, outperforming weaker European peers as gains in energy stocks helped offset broader losses. Shell and BP provided support as Brent crude surged to a wartime high of $126 following reports that the US may consider further military action in Iran, heightening inflation concerns ahead of key central bank meetings. The Federal Reserve held rates steady, though divisions among policymakers are growing amid uncertainty tied to the Middle East conflict. The BOE is expected to keep rates at 3.75%, though markets now price multiple hikes later this year. Standard Chartered rose 0.5% after reporting record profit, while Unilever gained 0.3% on stronger underlying sales, driven by emerging markets despite currency headwinds. Rolls-Royce jumped 2.8% after a solid update and steady guidance, and Glencore added 0.9% on upbeat trading outlook.
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