The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.13% Lower

The FTSE 100 Index is losing 14 points. Losses were led by Airtel Africa (-3.38%), Rentokil Initial (-2.54%) and SSE (-2.53%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Segro (6.58%), 3i (6.00%) and Anglo American (4.48%).

The FTSE 100 edged lower on Thursday but continued to outperform major European peers, supported by gains in heavyweight energy stocks as Brent extended its rally for a fifth straight session. Oil prices remained elevated after Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, reinforcing supply concerns. Shell and BP rose around 2% and 1.5%, respectively. RELX gained nearly 2% after reporting first-half operating profit in line with expectations, while reaffirming its full-year guidance. BT was little changed after maintaining its annual outlook despite a slight decline in quarterly profit. Centrica also reaffirmed guidance after posting stronger-than-expected first-half earnings. Meanwhile, EasyJet said profit fell by 70% in its fiscal third quarter, with its outlook still dependent on fuel prices and remaining summer demand. Markets were also pressured by weakness in AI-related stocks after Alphabet outlined higher-than-expected capital spending plans.

The FTSE 100 Index rose 136 points or 1.28 percent on Wednesday to close at 10722 points. Leading the gains are Endeavour (5.01%), Airtel Africa (4.12%) and Babcock International (3.61%).