The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.05% Lower

The FTSE 100 edged lower on Monday as investors assessed renewed tensions in the Middle East after the US and Iran exchanged fresh airstrikes over the weekend. Tehran claimed it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after targeting US facilities across several Gulf states, although President Donald Trump rejected the assertion, saying the key shipping route remained open to commercial traffic. Energy stocks outperformed as higher oil prices lifted Shell by 1.4% and BP by 2.5%, but gains were offset by broad weakness across the rest of the market. Mining shares came under pressure, with Endeavour down nearly 2%, Fresnillo falling 1.4%, Antofagasta losing 1.8%, and Anglo American slipping 0.8%. Financial stocks also declined, with Standard Chartered and Barclays down around 1%, while HSBC and Lloyds Banking traded lower. Elsewhere, GSK gained 0.9% after reporting positive interim trial results for its cancer drug Jemperli.

The FTSE 100 Index is losing 5 points. Losses were led by IG Group Holdings (-2.16%), International Airlines Group (-2.14%) and Endeavour (-1.74%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Persimmon (3.28%), Barratt Redrow (2.55%) and BP (2.42%).

The FTSE 100 Index gained 24 points or 0.23 percent on Friday to close at 10497 points. Gains were led by Vodafone (12.67%), Entain (4.04%) and Marks & Spencer (2.14%). Biggest losers were St. Jamess (-8.63%), AstraZeneca (-3.49%) and Hiscox (-1.63%).