{"id":140483,"title":"FTSE 100 Falls as US-Iran Conflict Keeps Oil Above $100 and ECB Raises Rates","publisher":"Share Talk","author":"sharetalk","published":"2026-09-10T16:18:47+00:00","modified":"2026-09-10T16:21:25+00:00","canonical_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/ftse-100-falls-as-us-iran-conflict-keeps-oil-above-100-and-ecb-raises-rates/","markdown_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/ftse-100-falls-as-us-iran-conflict-keeps-oil-above-100-and-ecb-raises-rates.md","json_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/ftse-100-falls-as-us-iran-conflict-keeps-oil-above-100-and-ecb-raises-rates.json","category":"Blogs","categories":["Blogs","Technology","Technology, Media & Telecoms"],"tags":["Asia","Bangkok","Denmark","Endeavour Mining","Fed","Federal Reserve","Finland","FRANCE","FTSE 100","GERMANY","Glencore","Greenland plan","Hong kong","Japan","London","Manila","mining stocks","Mumbai","Nasdaq Composite","NATO alliance","Netherlands","Nikkei 225","Norway","S&P 500","shanghai","Singapore","Sweden","Sydney","Taiwan","UK","United States","Wall Street","Wellington"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/www.share-talk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/83779ade-aeca-405f-9173-3c287cc43e36.png?fit=1727%2C911&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"London stocks remained under pressure on Thursday as continued US-Iran attacks on shipping disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping **Brent crude above $100 a barrel** and adding to concerns over inflation and interest rates.\n\nThe **FTSE 100 closed down 61.14 points, or 0.6%, at 10,608.92**. The **FTSE 250 fell 222.72 points, or 0.9%, to 23,885.94**, while the **AIM All-Share dropped 8.30 points, or 1.0%, to 787.95**.\n\nEnergy markets remained firmly in focus after Iran claimed responsibility for targeting **two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the Persian Gulf** on Wednesday, in retaliation for US attacks on five Iranian tankers the previous day.\n\nBloomberg News, citing a senior Iranian official, reported that Tehran was prepared to intensify the conflict should US attacks continue. Despite oil markets remaining relatively resilient, disruption around the **Strait of Hormuz** has increased the risk of an extended period of elevated oil and gas prices.\n\nInterest rates were also firmly in focus after the **European Central Bank raised rates by 25 basis points**, matching market expectations. The ECB also increased its baseline inflation forecasts for **2027 and 2028**, warning that price growth is likely to remain above its 2% target for an extended period.\n\nIn corporate news, **Associated British Foods plunged 7.97%**, making it the worst performer in the FTSE 100 after reporting weaker-than-expected sales at Primark.\n\nPrimark like-for-like sales declined **3%**, compared with market expectations for a fall of around 2.2%.\n\nThe retailer blamed hot weather for delaying autumn and winter purchases in the UK, alongside continued weakness across Continental Europe and the US.\n\nDespite the disappointing Primark performance, AB Foods continues to expect full-year operating profit to be in line with previous guidance, while **adjusted earnings per share are expected to come in ahead of previous expectations**.\n\nIntermediate Capital Group slipped **0.52%** despite Deutsche Bank Research reiterating its Buy recommendation and £28 price target.\n\nICG announced the final close of its flagship Europe IX fund at its **€12 billion hard cap**, with investor demand exceeding the amount available.\n\nThe fund is around **50% larger than its predecessor**, with ICG describing it as the largest structured capital fund ever raised.\n\nFor London markets, however, geopolitical developments remained the dominant influence. With **Brent holding above $100, shipping disruption continuing around the Strait of Hormuz and the ECB raising rates**, investors remain focused on the risk that the latest energy shock could prolong inflation and force central banks to maintain tighter monetary policy."}