09:51 — FTSE 100 marked at 10,894, mid-cap reporting hold attentions
The FTSE 100's earlier advance lost a little steam by mid-morning, with the index now marked at 10,893, up around 36 points for the session.
Besides the commodity moves, which are downstream of the Trump-Iran narratives, the market has few big headlines (but lots of minor ones) as a bracket of mid-and-small cap financials and trading statements continue to cycle through a summertime rhythm.
Among those that are notable, is Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as the European distributor reported an 8% H1 profit rise and reaffirmed full-year guidance, only to see the stock 4.1% softer at 7,729p.
Rotork posted robust results with its ABB takeover progressing, while Wizz Air revealed it had carried 32% more passengers in July.
Xaar, the inkjet firm, swung to profit on printhead demand and Sabre Insurance grew premiums 15% even as profit dipped, while CLS Holdings cut its full-year EPS guidance.
08:20 — FTSE 100 tops 10,900, as gold stocks climb
The FTSE 100 got off to an expectedly positive start to Tuesday, pushed on to 10,916.11, up 58 points or 0.54% for the session so far.
Amongst the morning gains are a cluster of gold and metals names: Greatland Gold (AIM:GGP) has climbed to 542.09p, up 4.15% and sitting at its session high, with Wheaton Precious Metals (LSE:WPM) up 3.38% to 8394.64p and Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) shares are up 3.26% to 3799p.
The price of gold itself is firmer, up 0.7% at $4,120 an ounce.
In the small-cap market, Sound Energy (AIM:SOU) has completed the sale of its Meridja subsidiary to Managem after clearing the last conditions, sending shares up 6.12%, and Great Western Mining (AIM:GWMO) has jumped 11.11% to 3.5p after confirming drilling at its Defender tungsten project in Nevada is due to start within two weeks.
08:06 — Prologis and Segro (finally) agree takeover, HSBC profit jumps 23%
Segro (LSE:SGRO) has agreed to a recommended combination with Prologis, the US warehouse giant, in a deal effected through a scheme of arrangement and structured as a share offer with a partial cash alternative. Full detail on the £14bn Segro takeover is out this morning.
HSBC (LSE:HSBA) has published its 2026 interim results, with profit up 23% even as costs and credit charges climb.
Smith+Nephew's half-year report shows strong profit growth in the first half, with the group on track to meet trading profit, free cash flow and ROIC guidance despite softer revenue.
07:25 — Oil slide supports sentiments
The story running through markets on Tuesday is Donald Trump's decision to call off planned strikes on Iran, signalling a resumption of peace talks.
It's a de-escalation that sent oil sharply lower and stocks and bonds rallying through Monday's session, and so far continues into Tuesday.
Yesterday's trading saw Brent crude sink as much as 9.5% at one point with barrels of oil dealing below $82, before settling near $83.47.
Now, this morning, Brent remains softer by recent standards, holding around $84.20.
06:45 — FTSE 100 seen firmer at open as Wall Street rally, Iran optimism lift mood
London's FTSE 100 is seen firmer ahead of Tuesday's open, with IG's early pre-market quote marked at 10,883.2, up around 33 points, or 0.31%, from Monday's close.
The trading platform's early call follows a strong Wall Street session, which saw the Dow closing at a record, up 719 points, or 1.37%, to 53,204.22.
The S&P 500 gained 1.47% to 7,600.19, and the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.09% to 25,903.16.
Wall Street's advance came amid optimism around Iran talks and falling oil prices, which ease inflation worries, with the Dow marking its first record close in nearly a month.
The CBOE Volatility Index eased 1.5% to 15.75 in the aftermath, pointing to a calmer risk backdrop heading into the London session.
Time will tell whether Trump and the Iranians will make the latest de-escalation stick.
