The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.82% Lower

The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.5% on Thursday, as Brent extended gains for a fifth straight session to above $100 a barrel. Oil prices rallied after Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, reinforcing supply concerns. Shell and BP rose around 1.7% and 3%, respectively. RELX closed slightly lower, having opened around 2% higher, after reporting first-half operating profit in line with expectations, while reaffirming its full-year guidance. BT fell more than 1% after maintaining its annual outlook despite a slight decline in quarterly profit. Centrica (-10.4%) 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. On the monetary policy front, the ECB kept rates unchanged, as expected.

The FTSE 100 Index decreased 87 points or 0.82 percent on Thursday to close at 10630 points. The decline was led by Centrica (-10.37%), Fresnillo (-6.73%) and Endeavour (-5.26%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Segro (7.13%), 3i (4.70%) and BP (3.01%).

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%).