The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.15% Higher

The FTSE 100 Index went up by 15 points or 0.15 percent on Wednesday to close at 10507 points. The rise was led by JD Sports Fashion (5.68%), Burberry (3.83%) and Marks & Spencer (3.82%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Tesco (-2.85%), BP (-2.75%) and Centrica (-2.52%).

The FTSE 100 edged higher on Wednesday, extending gains for an eighth straight session as hopes for progress toward ending the Iran war pushed oil prices lower and improved risk sentiment. Defence stocks advanced ahead of the signing of a new UK-Poland defence and security treaty, part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to strengthen European ties. Rolls-Royce and Babcock each gained around 2.5%, while other heavyweight stocks, including HSBC (+1.3%), Unilever (+2.3%) and GSK (+0.8%) also moved higher. In contrast, Shell and BP fell 2.2% and 2.8% respectively as crude prices declined amid optimism surrounding US-Iran talks. Among corporate updates, Hollywood Bowl reported stronger spending per game in the UK and Canada and announced a £5 million share buyback, while Pets at Home said retail sales returned to growth in the fourth quarter. Amazon also said it invested more than £15 billion in Britain in 2025 as part of its wider expansion plans through 2027.

The FTSE 100 traded flat to slightly lower on Tuesday, underperforming broader European markets as declines in energy and utility stocks weighed on the index. Sentiment was pressured by lower oil prices amid hopes of progress toward a peace agreement between the US and Iran, despite continued uncertainty around security in the Strait of Hormuz. Shell fell around 1.7% while BP lost 0.8%. Utilities also weakened, with Centrica down more than 2%, Severn Trent and SSE falling 1.8% each, National Grid down 1.4% and United Utilities losing 1.2%. Meanwhile, Ofgem confirmed that the UK household energy price cap will rise 13% from July, adding around £18 a month to typical bills, marking the biggest increase since 2023 as Middle East tensions continue to lift energy costs. On the corporate side, Greencore reported robust third quarter trading, while Pets at Home posted annual profit in line with expectations.