The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.24% Lower

The FTSE 100 Index is losing 25 points. Losses were led by Rolls-Royce (-3.29%), Vistry Group (-2.46%) and Burberry (-2.12%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Shell (1.43%) and Admiral (1.15%).

The FTSE 100 traded modestly lower on Monday but continued to outperform its European peers amid a broader market selloff. Sentiment was pressured by renewed tensions in the Middle East after Iran and Israel exchanged fresh strikes, raising doubts about the durability of the ceasefire and the prospects for a lasting peace agreement. The renewed conflict pushed oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude rising more than 4% to above $97 per barrel. Energy heavyweights Shell and BP provided support for the UK index, alongside defensive consumer stocks such as British American Tobacco and Diageo. In corporate news, Tate & Lyle surged after agreeing to a £2.7 billion takeover by US group Ingredion, which offered 615 pence per share in cash, representing a substantial premium to recent trading levels.

The FTSE 100 Index gained 15 points or 0.14 percent on Friday to close at 10375 points. Gains were led by Unilever (2.50%), Auto Trader (2.49%) and British American Tobacco (2.43%). Biggest losers were Endeavour (-5.82%), Antofagasta (-5.70%) and Fresnillo (-5.68%).