London stocks are set to open modestly higher on Tuesday, despite persistent geopolitical tensions, as both the US and Iran signal readiness for further escalation ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline.
Futures indicate the FTSE 100 will rise 18 points, or 0.2%, at the open. The index closed down 0.6% at 10,609.08 on Monday.
Uncertainty remains around potential talks in Pakistan, previously flagged by Donald Trump, with Tehran yet to confirm participation and accusing Washington of breaching the truce through its naval blockade and recent seizure of an Iranian vessel.
In commodities, Brent crude edged slightly lower to USD94.36 per barrel from USD94.45, while gold slipped to USD4,786.89 per ounce from USD4,806.14.
Currency markets saw sterling ease to USD1.3518 from USD1.3535 at the previous London close, and dip to EUR1.1477 against the euro. The euro also weakened slightly to USD1.1780, while the dollar strengthened against the yen to JPY158.89.
On Wall Street, equities ended Monday in negative territory, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average marginally lower, while the S&P 500 fell 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3%.
Asian markets were mixed on Tuesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.2%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.5%, and China’s Shanghai Composite was little changed. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged 0.1% lower.
