The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.02% Lower

London’s FTSE 100 steadied around 10,750 points on Thursday, its lowest level in two weeks, after two sessions of losses as the global bond selloff eased. Oil prices edged lower after President Donald Trump said renewed US attacks on Iran were likely to be short-lived, helping ease concerns over inflation and further energy-price pressures. Metals prices rebounded as fears of a wider Middle East escalation eased, potentially reducing pressure on central banks to raise interest rates and supporting demand for non-interest-bearing precious metals. BP and Shell fell around 0.7%, while miners Fresnillo, Endeavour, Glencore, Anglo American, Rio Tinto and Antofagasta gained 0.5%-1%. M&G dropped 2.2%, Compass 1.4% and NEXT 1%, while Airtel Africa, Vodafone and London Stock Exchange rose 3.2%, 2.4% and 1.1%, respectively.

The FTSE 100 Index is losing 2 points. Losses were led by Barratt Redrow (-2.29%), M&G (-2.22%) and Burberry (-1.91%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Airtel Africa (3.10%), Vodafone (1.93%) and Prudential (1.25%).

The FTSE 100 Index fell 30 points or 0.28 percent on Wednesday to close at 10759 points. Leading the losses are JD Sports Fashion (-3.86%), Kingfisher (-3.04%) and Experian (-2.86%). Top gainers were Endeavour (2.54%), Intercontinental Hotels (1.86%) and Standard Chartered (1.84%).