London stocks are expected to open slightly lower on Thursday, with rising oil prices and ongoing Middle East tensions weighing on sentiment.
Futures suggest the FTSE 100 will open around 20.9 points lower (-0.2%) at 10,085.94, after gaining 1.4% on Wednesday.
Oil has moved higher again, with Brent crude back above $104 a barrel, as uncertainty around the conflict persists. Donald Trump continues to signal that talks are underway, but Iran has firmly denied any negotiations, maintaining a hardline stance.
Geopolitical risks remain elevated, with Iranian officials warning of potential disruptions to shipping routes, including the Red Sea, adding to concerns over global trade and energy supply.
Market conditions remain volatile, with analysts highlighting the constant flow of headlines as a key driver of price swings and limiting investors’ willingness to take on risk.
Adding to the cautious mood, UK consumer confidence has dropped sharply, reflecting growing concerns about inflation and economic prospects as energy costs rise.
Elsewhere, US markets closed higher, while Asian equities slipped, underscoring the mixed global backdrop as investors continue to react to geopolitical developments.
