Inflation Shocker Drags FTSE 100

RTTNews | 870 days ago
Inflation Shocker Drags FTSE 100

(RTTNews) - FTSE 100 of the London Stock Exchange dropped as a negative surprise on the inflation front shocked markets. Fears that the reading would limit the headroom that the Bank of England has on easing the rate hikes dampened sentiment. The BoE's review is due on Thursday.

Inflation for the month of February, which was expected to fall to 9.9 percent, from 10.1 percent in January, actually increased to 10.4 percent. Core inflation also increased to 6.2 percent versus previous reading of 5.8 percent and expectations of 5.7 percent.

FTSE 100 oscillated between 7,536.22 and 7,505.48 versus the previous day's closing level of 7,536.22.

The benchmark index of the London Stock Exchange is currently trading at 7,531.77, down 0.06 percent on an overnight basis.

In the 100-scrip index, only 30 are trading in the overnight green zone. Relief at the fading banking crisis lifted bank shares. HSBC Holdings topped 3 percent. Other prominent banking names like Barclays, Standard Chartered and Natwest Group also rallied more than 2 percent. Lloyds Banking Group gained 1.7 percent.

British Land Company dropped close to 4 percent. Segro too shed more than 4 percent.

Expectations of further rate hikes shifted sentiment in favour of the sterling, lifting the GBP/USD pair to 1.2285, up 0.58 percent on an overnight basis. The pair ranged between 1.2208 and 1.2298.

Yields on U.K.'s ten-year bonds also reflected the rate hike expectations, rising 3.2 percent to 3.4760% from the previous close of 3.369%.

read more
Swiss Market Ends Marginally Up

Swiss Market Ends Marginally Up

The Switzerland market ended marginally up on Friday despite exhibiting weakness for much of the time past noon. Investors continued to react to earnings and assess the economic impact of reciprocal tariffs, and stayed largely cautious with their moves. A report showing a drop in Swiss consumer confidence in the month of July hurt sentiment.
RTTNews | 12h 1min ago
Major European Markets Close On Mixed Note

Major European Markets Close On Mixed Note

Major European markets turned in a mixed performance on Friday with investors largely staying cautious, assessing the impact of tariffs on global economic growth, and continuing to digest corporate earnings announcements and other data.
RTTNews | 12h 25min ago
Positive Start Seen For Canadian Stocks

Positive Start Seen For Canadian Stocks

Canadian stocks may edge up a bit in early trades Friday morning with some encouraging earnings announcements and firm commodity prices aiding sentiment. Investors will also be reacting to the data showing a 41,000 jobs drop in Canadian employment in the month of July. Data from Statistics Canada also showed that the unemployment rate in Canada came in unchanged at 6.9%.
RTTNews | 16h 57min ago
UK Market Roughly Flat; Mining Stocks Move Higher

UK Market Roughly Flat; Mining Stocks Move Higher

Amid a lack of economic and earnings data, U.K. stocks are moving in a tight range in somewhat lackluster trade on Friday. Investors are assessing the potential impact of the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs on global economic growth. Optimism about a rate cut by the Fed next month is aiding sentiment a bit.
RTTNews | 18h 51min ago
CAC 40 Climbs Higher For 3rd Straight Day

CAC 40 Climbs Higher For 3rd Straight Day

French stocks are modestly higher on Friday, extending gains to a third straight session, with mostly encouraging corporate earnings announcements aiding sentiment. Concerns about the potential impact of Trump's reciprocal tariffs limit market's upside a bit.
RTTNews | 19h 10min ago