FTSE 100 Struggles for Direction

2026-08-24 07:31 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

The FTSE 100 traded around the flatline on Monday, as gains in mining stocks were offset by weakness in energy and healthcare shares.

Oil majors Shell and BP declined as crude prices eased, with investors awaiting details of the US plan to intensify economic pressure on Iran.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to outline the measures later in the day while urging US allies to support the initiative.

Healthcare stocks also weighed on the index, with AstraZeneca falling around 1% and GSK down 0.5%.

In contrast, mining companies provided support as higher precious-metals prices, firm iron ore and elevated copper prices lifted the sector.

Antofagasta gained about 1%, while Anglo American and Fresnillo advanced more than 0.5%.

Mining sentiment was further supported by gains in steelmaker SSAB, which rose around 4% after a proposed trade agreement between the US and Canada that would have reduced tariffs on Canadian steel fell through.



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The FTSE 100 traded around the flatline on Monday, as gains in mining stocks were offset by weakness in energy and healthcare shares. Oil majors Shell and BP declined as crude prices eased, with investors awaiting details of the US plan to intensify economic pressure on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to outline the measures later in the day while urging US allies to support the initiative. Healthcare stocks also weighed on the index, with AstraZeneca falling around 1% and GSK down 0.5%. In contrast, mining companies provided support as higher precious-metals prices, firm iron ore and elevated copper prices lifted the sector. Antofagasta gained about 1%, while Anglo American and Fresnillo advanced more than 0.5%. Mining sentiment was further supported by gains in steelmaker SSAB, which rose around 4% after a proposed trade agreement between the US and Canada that would have reduced tariffs on Canadian steel fell through.
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