The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.01% Higher

The FTSE 100 Index rose 0.6 points or 0.01 percent on Wednesday to close at 10887 points. Leading the gains are British American Tobacco (2.84%), Howden Joinery (2.19%) and Diploma (1.73%). Top losers were The Sage Group (-3.85%), Entain (-1.96%) and 3i (-1.96%).

The FTSE 100 was little changed on Wednesday, ending a six-session winning streak. Sage was among the biggest fallers, dropping nearly 4% after a cautious outlook from US software peer Intuit renewed concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the sector. Energy stocks also weighed on the index, with BP down 1.3% and Shell 0.4%, while AstraZeneca and GSK both declined. Oil prices remained volatile as signs of increased crude flows from the Persian Gulf emerged, while investors awaited developments in talks between Iran and Oman over potentially restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Entain and Persimmon remained under pressure after FTSE Russell indicated they would be removed from the FTSE 100 in its latest reshuffle. Meanwhile, Ofgem announced a 4% increase in the UK energy price cap from October. Investors are also awaiting Nvidia’s results for fresh clues on the strength of AI-related demand.

The FTSE 100 traded slightly lower on Wednesday, ending a six-session winning streak as weaker oil prices weighed on energy stocks. BP fell more than 2%, while Shell declined around 1.4%, with crude prices extending losses for a third day on hopes of renewed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and Oman discussed an interim framework aimed at facilitating the resumption of traffic through the key waterway. In contrast, mining stocks provided some support, with Antofagasta, Anglo American and Fresnillo each gaining more than 1%. Entain and Persimmon were also in focus after FTSE Russell indicated that both companies are set to be removed from the FTSE 100 in its latest reshuffle. Meanwhile, Ofgem said the UK energy price cap will rise 4% from October, citing higher wholesale gas prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Investor attention is also turning to Nvidia’s results, with markets looking for further signals on the strength of the AI investment cycle.