Tag: Brent Crude

  • Gold Drops 1.11% on MCX After Fed Rate Hike; Brent Crude Holds Near $106

    Gold Drops 1.11% on MCX After Fed Rate Hike; Brent Crude Holds Near $106

    Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) declined sharply on September 17, following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75%–4%. The move, driven by persistent inflation and elevated energy costs, pushed October gold futures down 1.11% to Rs. 1,50,778 per 10 grams. Silver also weakened, with September futures falling 1.19% to Rs. 2,31,982.

    Meanwhile, global crude oil benchmarks showed mixed movement. Brent crude futures edged up 0.03% to USD 105.9 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipped 0.05% to USD 104.4 per barrel.

    Domestic Gold Prices by Purity and City

    In the Indian market, 24-karat gold dropped by Rs. 60 to Rs. 1,52,840 per 10 grams, and 22-karat gold declined by Rs. 55 to Rs. 1,40,100. Prices varied slightly across major cities:

    • Mumbai: Rs. 1,52,840
    • Kolkata: Rs. 1,52,840
    • Delhi: Rs. 1,52,990
    • Chennai: Rs. 1,52,840

    US Gold and Precious Metals Overview

    In international markets, spot gold rose more than 1% to USD 4,310.49 per ounce as investors weighed the Fed’s hawkish stance and potential for further tightening. US gold futures for December delivery were down roughly 1% at USD 4,348.70. Spot silver gained 1.4% to USD 63.83, platinum firmed 1.6% to USD 1,780.55, and palladium climbed 2% to USD 1,295.

    Key Levels and Analyst Outlook

    Kelvin Wong, senior market analyst at OANDA, noted that oil prices remain a crucial factor for gold. “If oil prices continue to decline, that could support gold prices moving higher, at least from a medium-term perspective. Until that materializes, I expect gold to remain range-bound,” he said. Wong added that the current uptick in gold is largely technical, with the Fed’s hawkish message already priced in.

    On the MCX, gold is under short covering with open interest declining 4.15% to 8,818. Support is placed at Rs. 1,51,630, with a break below opening Rs. 1,50,790, while resistance is seen at Rs. 1,53,130, above which prices could test Rs. 1,53,790.

    Internationally, gold shows a bearish near-term bias below USD 4,315–USD 4,320. This zone acts as a key pivot; above it, the metal could target the 38.2% Fibonacci level near USD 4,404 and the 23.6% retracement at USD 4,513. On the downside, immediate support is at the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of USD 4,226, followed by the 78.6% level at USD 4,100.

  • FTSE 100 Opens 83 Points Higher at 10,772 After Fed Rate Hike; Brent Crude Slips to $104

    FTSE 100 Opens 83 Points Higher at 10,772 After Fed Rate Hike; Brent Crude Slips to $104

    The FTSE 100 opened 83.53 points higher at 10,772 on Thursday, following the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate hike in three years. Investors now await the Bank of England’s policy decision. Brent crude futures fell 1.68% to $104 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate dropped 1.30% to $101.10.

    Sterling traded at $1.3382 early Thursday, down from $1.3449 at the previous London close. Against the euro, the pound rose to €1.1672 from €1.1658.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Next climbed 2.03% to 14,855p after lifting its profit target. Rolls-Royce Holdings advanced 2.00% to 1,469.40p, Sage Group added 1.93% to 1,031p, and RELX rose 1.77% to 2,588p. Kingfisher gained 1.73% to 305.80p, and Endeavour Mining increased 1.73% to 4,588p.

    On the downside, Marks & Spencer fell 2.05% to 363.50p. Reckitt Benckiser declined 0.71% to 5,020p, Lion Finance Group dropped 0.58% to 13,620p, and Smith & Nephew slipped 0.34% to 1,038.50p. Howden Joinery lost 0.20% to 758p, and Intertek Group edged 0.09% lower to 5,875p.

    Drax Raises Profit Outlook

    British power generator Drax said it now expects full-year adjusted core profit at the top end of market consensus — between £680 million and £711 million (about $910-$952 million), up from an earlier forecast of £665 million. The company credited its generation assets for helping balance the UK grid during the summer heatwave, adding 0.3 terawatt-hours of contracted power sales at an average price of £175.9 per megawatt-hour.

    Next Lifts Profit Target

    Next raised its profit target after better-than-expected first-half trading. Retail sales across the group jumped 9% in the six months to July, and pre-tax profit rose 10.5% to £569 million. The retailer now expects full-year pre-tax profit of £1.26 billion, citing higher sales and cost savings in warehouse operations.

    Beauty Tech Group Raises Profit Outlook

    Beauty Tech Group, owner of CurrentBody Skin and ZIIP Beauty, lifted its profit outlook after first-half earnings more than tripled. Revenue surged 44% to £79.7 million and profit jumped to £17.5 million from £5 million. The company now expects full-year earnings of at least £48.5 million and maintained its revenue forecast of at least £170 million. It also announced a share buyback of up to £20 million.

    Global Market View

    In the U.S., Dow Jones futures advanced 0.64%, S&P 500 futures rose 0.61%, and Nasdaq-100 futures added 0.71%. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.33% to 64,136.25, while Shanghai Composite fell 0.41%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.61%, and South Korea’s Kospi edged down 0.04%. In India, the Nifty 50 and Sensex both rose about 0.5%.

  • Indian Stocks Plunge: Sensex Drops 778 Points, Nifty Hits 5-Month Low on Crude Surge

    Indian Stocks Plunge: Sensex Drops 778 Points, Nifty Hits 5-Month Low on Crude Surge

    Indian stock markets ended sharply lower on Tuesday, with the BSE Sensex falling 777.94 points (1.04%) to close at 74,003.82, while the NSE Nifty dropped 279.50 points (1.19%) to 23,118.60—its lowest close since April 6. The selloff was driven by surging crude oil prices, elevated global bond yields, rate hike fears, and weak global market sentiment.

    Markets had opened higher, with the Nifty trading near 23,495 and the Sensex above 75,100, but selling pressure intensified later in the session. The Sensex settled at a three-month low.

    Oil Prices and Rate Hike Fears Weigh on Sentiment

    Brent crude traded above USD 107 per barrel during the session, while WTI crude remained above USD 102. India, a major crude importer, remains highly sensitive to energy price spikes. Higher oil prices raise import costs, fuel inflation, and put pressure on the rupee, which weakened against the U.S. dollar.

    Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited, said, “Domestic markets remained under pressure, extending their recent correction as elevated crude oil prices and rising global bond yields weighed on sentiment.” He added that expectations of tighter monetary policy also kept investors cautious, with U.S. Treasury yields near multi-year highs.

    Bharat Electronics Leads Losses; IT Stocks Buck Trend

    Bharat Electronics was the biggest loser among Sensex stocks, falling about 6%. Other laggards included InterGlobe Aviation, Titan, Bajaj Finserv, Adani Ports, Mahindra & Mahindra, and State Bank of India. Selling spread across banking, auto, energy, and metal sectors.

    However, information technology stocks rallied. HCL Technologies rose 3.98%, Infosys gained 3.64%, Tech Mahindra advanced 2.31%, and Tata Consultancy Services climbed 2.18%. According to Nair, IT stocks benefited from recent comments suggesting slower development of advanced AI, easing concerns about disruption to traditional tech services.

    Global Markets Add Pressure

    Asian markets ended lower: South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, China’s Shanghai Composite, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng all closed in negative territory. European markets traded lower, while U.S. stocks ended Monday with losses.

    Hariselvan Radhakrishnan, Founder and CEO of HST Wealth, commented, “Indian equities suffered a sharp reversal on Tuesday, surrendering their opening gains as Brent crude hovered near USD 107.40 a barrel, US bond yields remained elevated and investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision.”

    Foreign institutional investors sold shares worth Rs 930.90 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. The Indian equity market was closed Monday for Ganesh Chaturthi.

    Going forward, investors will track crude oil prices, the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, global bond yields, foreign fund flows, and geopolitical developments for market direction.

  • FTSE 100 Opens Higher Ahead of Fed Decision as UK Inflation Rises; Brent Crude Slips

    FTSE 100 Opens Higher Ahead of Fed Decision as UK Inflation Rises; Brent Crude Slips

    The FTSE 100 opened 37.01 points higher at 10,695.14 on Wednesday, as investors awaited UK inflation data and the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures fell 1.01% to USD 107.7 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 1.48% to USD 104.2 per barrel.

    Sterling was quoted at USD 1.3488 early Wednesday, slightly higher than USD 1.3485 at the London equities close on Tuesday. Against the euro, sterling rose to EUR 1.1682 from EUR 1.1681 a day prior.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Barratt Redrow climbed 7.56% to 297.30p. Persimmon advanced 3.37% to 1,135.50p, while Antofagasta gained 3.26% to 3,615p. Fresnillo rose 3.23% to 2,943p, Endeavour Mining added 2.77% to 4,564p, and NatWest Group increased 2.35% to 705.40p.

    On the downside, Unilever fell 1.45% to 4,574p. Admiral Group declined 0.87% to 3,854p, while Reckitt Benckiser Group dropped 0.79% to 5,026p. London Stock Exchange Group slipped 0.71% to 8,142p, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners lost 0.59% to 7,640p, and Next edged 0.48% lower to 14,620p.

    Babcock Maintains Full-Year Guidance

    Babcock International reaffirmed its full-year guidance, citing strong momentum across its marine, nuclear and land businesses. The company said trading during the first five months of fiscal 2027 remained in line with expectations.

    Analysts expect Babcock to post fiscal 2027 sales of GBP 5.49 billion and underlying operating profit of GBP 464 million, up from GBP 5.19 billion and GBP 293 million a year earlier.

    Barratt Redrow’s Pre-tax Profit Jumps

    Barratt Redrow surged as the company released its FY2026 full-year results, posting adjusted profit before tax of GBP 572.8 million, higher than the analyst consensus of approximately GBP 540 million.

    The company also announced a GBP 400 million capital return to shareholders, to be delivered through share buybacks.

    The profit beat was supported by total home completions rising 5% to 17,667 for the year, net cash at year-end reaching GBP 772 million, and the company achieving GBP 100 million in Redrow integration synergies while cutting administrative expenses to GBP 330 million.

    UK Inflation Rises

    UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% in August from 2.9% in July, in line with analysts’ forecasts, but remained above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

    The Office for National Statistics recorded a 0.5% monthly rise in prices, compared with 0.3% a year earlier. CPIH, which includes owner-occupier housing costs, accelerated to 3.3% from 3.1%.

    Petrol prices rose 9.1p during August to an average of 161.3p a litre, their highest since November 2022, while diesel climbed 14.2p to 181.8p.

    Core CPI was unchanged at 2.6%, while services inflation remained at 3.4%.

    Global Market View

    In the US, Wall Street closed lower on Tuesday as rising oil prices and government bond yields weighed on equities. The S&P 500 fell 0.4%, the Dow Jones declined 0.6% and the Nasdaq dropped 0.8%.

    In Asia on Wednesday, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.69% to 63,923, while China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.71%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 0.20%, and South Korea’s Kospi edged up by 1.37%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex rose by 0.55% and 0.53%, respectively.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.

  • FTSE 100 Opens 101 Points Lower as Oil Prices and AI Concerns Weigh on UK Stocks

    FTSE 100 Opens 101 Points Lower as Oil Prices and AI Concerns Weigh on UK Stocks

    The FTSE 100 opened 101.11 points lower at 10,596.46 on Tuesday, as rising oil prices—driven by Saudi supply disruptions—and growing unease over the pace of artificial intelligence development dampened market sentiment. Brent crude futures fell 1.96% to USD 107.8 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 1.98% to USD 103.4 per barrel.

    Sterling was quoted at USD 1.3482 early Tuesday, just below USD 1.3581 at the London equities close on Monday. Versus the euro, the pound rose to EUR 1.1684 from EUR 1.1679.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Marks & Spencer Group climbed 1.38% to 375.90p. Kingfisher advanced 1.36% to 291.80p, while BAE Systems gained 0.80% to 1,955.50p. Babcock International Group rose 0.60% to 966.80p, Tesco added 0.48% to 483.20p, and GSK increased 0.46% to 1,863p.

    On the downside, London Stock Exchange Group fell 2.38% to 8,272p. Rio Tinto declined 1.85% to 7,074p, while Lion Finance Group dropped 1.64% to 13,190p. Diploma slipped 1.06% to 6,990p, AstraZeneca lost 0.63% to 12,078p, and Games Workshop Group edged 0.57% lower to 17,500p.

    Trustpilot Revenue Jumps

    Trustpilot Group, the online consumer review platform, reported H1 bookings rose 22% to USD 171.2 million and revenue up 23% to USD 151.4 million, as Enterprise and US demand accelerated growth from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA grew 46% to USD 26.3 million from USD 18 million, with the adjusted EBITDA margin expanding 2.8 percentage points to 17.4%. However, operating profit fell 18% to USD 4.4 million, weighed down by USD 6 million in non-recurring items, including an AGCM fine and a provision for historical US sales taxes.

    Vacancies in the UK Declined

    Vacancies in the UK fell to 702,000 in the three months to August 2026, marking a fall of 8,000, official figures suggest. “Payroll numbers continued to edge down, with falls over the past year particularly evident in the retail and hospitality sectors,” Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said. “Vacancies remain at their lowest level outside the pandemic period for more than a decade, with smaller businesses continuing to report that increased labor costs are affecting hiring decisions.”

    MJ Gleeson Cuts Dividend

    MJ Gleeson has declined to a pre-tax loss as the housing market remains subdued, prompting the housebuilder to cut its dividend. The builder posted a GBP 2.7 million pre-tax loss in the year to June and cut its dividend from 11p to five pence per share. “Recognizing that this subdued market may not improve anytime soon, we are focused on managing the business as efficiently as possible and taking a prudent stance on cash,” the group told shareholders. However, the number of homes sold was up 9.8% to 1,968, as evidence that it is in a “much stronger position to manage through the challenging market environment” than in recent years.

    Global Market View

    In the US, the S&P 500 lost 0.5%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.6%, and the Dow Jones declined 0.3%, while the ten-year Treasury yield briefly touched 5% before settling around 4.98%. In Asia on Tuesday, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 declined 0.01% to 63,484.1, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.54%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.94%, and South Korea’s Kospi dipped 0.85%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex fell by 0.32% and 0.17%, respectively.

  • Indian Rupee Slides 27 Paise to 95.79 as Soaring Oil Prices and Foreign Outflows Bite

    Indian Rupee Slides 27 Paise to 95.79 as Soaring Oil Prices and Foreign Outflows Bite

    The Indian rupee faced renewed selling pressure on Friday (September 11, 2026), weakening by 27 paise to Rs. 95.79 against the U.S. dollar in early trade. The decline extended the currency’s recent losing streak, driven by surging crude oil prices and sustained foreign portfolio outflows.

    Crude Oil Crosses USD 108

    A key factor weighing on the rupee is the sharp rise in international crude prices. Brent crude climbed above USD 108 a barrel, raising India’s import bill since the nation relies heavily on imported oil to meet its energy needs. The oil surge also hit broader financial markets, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex sliding to their lowest levels in about three months amid inflation and global interest-rate concerns.

    Foreign Outflows Add to Currency Pressure

    Continued foreign investor selling has added another layer of pressure on the rupee. Portfolio outflows increase demand for dollars as investors withdraw funds from Indian assets, making it harder for the currency to recover. The rupee has now been under pressure for several consecutive sessions, with traders closely watching developments in global oil markets and West Asia.

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been conducting dollar/rupee sell-buy swaps for a second consecutive day, with much of the activity concentrated in December maturities. “Such operations can drain excess rupee liquidity and support forward premiums, potentially offering some cushion to the currency,” said Amit Pabari, MD and CEO of CrForex Advisors. “These operations help drain surplus rupee liquidity and support forward premiums, which can provide support to the currency. Yet, the rupee continued to depreciate.”

    What Lies Ahead for the Rupee?

    The near-term outlook will depend heavily on how long crude prices remain elevated. A prolonged period above USD 100 could increase India’s energy import costs, widen external-sector pressures, and make the rupee more vulnerable. Markets are also watching U.S. bond yields and expectations around global monetary policy. Higher inflation risks linked to oil could limit the scope for easier interest rates worldwide. Unless oil prices ease or investor flows improve, the domestic currency is likely to remain volatile in the near term.

  • FTSE 100 Opens Flat at 10,670 Ahead of ECB Decision; Brent Crude Holds Above $100

    FTSE 100 Opens Flat at 10,670 Ahead of ECB Decision; Brent Crude Holds Above $100

    The FTSE 100 opened flat at 10,670.04 ahead of a European Central Bank decision, as a US Treasury announcement on bond buybacks failed to impress. Brent crude futures rose 0.09% to USD 101.3 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) advanced 0.22% to USD 96.26 per barrel.

    Sterling traded at USD 1.3354 on Thursday, falling from USD 1.3548 at the time of the London equities close on Tuesday. Versus the euro, it fell to EUR 1.1641.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Whitbread climbed 1.98% to 2,366p. Compass Group advanced 1.87% to USD 31.10, while Aberdeen Group gained 1.53% to 252.40p. JD Sports Fashion rose 1.21% to 80.60p, Fresnillo added 1.08% to 3,082p, and ICG increased 0.94% to 1,943p.

    On the downside, Associated British Foods fell 9.31% to 1,832p. Computacenter declined 2.99% to 5,035p, while Endeavour Mining dropped 1.39% to 4,605p. Rio Tinto slipped 0.84% to 7,538p, Lion Finance Group lost 0.74% to 13,350p, and Games Workshop Group edged 0.51% lower to 17,480p.

    Q1 Recorded 7% Sales Increase

    Currys reported like-for-like revenue growth of 7% in Q1, with UK and Ireland sales up 6% and the Nordics up 9%. The retailer said it is “comfortable with market consensus” and left full-year guidance unchanged. Despite this, shares in the group fell 1.3%. Recurring Services revenue continued to grow, with flexpay adoption up 30 basis points year-on-year to 23.6% and iD Mobile subscribers rising 16% to more than 2.7 million.

    In the Nordics, sales growth was led by white goods and mobile, supported by continued momentum in new categories, B2B and Services, with market share gains in most countries against soft comparatives.

    KKR Acquired Eleco

    Private equity firm KKR has snapped up construction software provider Eleco in a deal that values the company at around GBP 208 million. The takeover gives shareholders GBP 235 per share, representing a 74.7% premium over the previous day’s closing price. Investors holding just over 45.2% have already pledged support for the takeover, which is expected to close in early 2027.

    THG Recorded Revenue Rise

    Ecommerce company THG posted a 7% rise in revenue in the first half of the year after a boost in sales in both its beauty and nutrition divisions. The company said revenue across the group was GBP 828.7 million in the period, up 7.2% year on year and above guidance of 6.5%. THG Beauty, which includes brands like Lookfantastic and Cult Beauty, delivered 5.9% revenue growth while THG Nutrition sales rose 9.2%.

    Global Market View

    In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 405.41 points, or 0.77%, to end at 52,380.66. The S&P 500 shed 0.48% to close at 7,636.36, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.64% to 26,253.34. In Asia on Thursday, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.2% to 65,270.95, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.43%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 1.26%, and South Korea’s Kospi declined 0.25%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex rose by 0.03% and 0.047%, respectively.

    Also Read: Stock Market Update: Nifty 50 Opened 0.06% Higher, Sensex Fell 21.69 Points Amid Rising Oil Prices

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  • MCX Gold Slips 0.14% to Rs 1,52,370 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Weigh

    MCX Gold Slips 0.14% to Rs 1,52,370 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Weigh

    Gold prices moved lower on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on September 9, pressured by rising inflationary concerns after fresh attacks on ships in the Middle East and growing expectations of a US interest rate hike. October gold futures fell 0.14% to Rs 1,52,370 per 10 grams, while September silver futures declined 0.13% to Rs 2,39,113.

    Oil Prices Edge Higher

    Brent crude futures climbed 1.46% to USD 99.35 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 1.30% to USD 94.24 per barrel, adding to inflation worries in global markets.

    Fed Rate Hike Expectations

    According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets currently price in a 39.5% probability that the Federal Reserve will keep rates unchanged in September, and a 60.5% chance of a rate hike. The possibility of higher borrowing costs continues to cap gold’s upside momentum.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In the Indian domestic market, 24K gold fell by Rs 104 to Rs 1,54,310 per 10 grams, while 22K gold declined by Rs 95 to Rs 1,41,450. City-wise, Mumbai and Kolkata quoted gold at Rs 1,54,310, Delhi at Rs 1,54,460, and Chennai at Rs 1,54,310.

    US Gold Prices and Other Metals

    In the international market, spot gold rose 0.56% to USD 4,380.01 per ounce. US gold futures for December delivery dropped 0.38% to USD 4,422.31. Spot silver gained 0.73% to USD 66.23 per ounce, platinum rose 0.78% to USD 1,833.60, and palladium firmed 0.28% to USD 1,349.50.

    Key Levels to Watch

    “Gold is range-bound because it is capped by a higher probability of raising interest rates, which continues to hinder momentum in the market,” said Daniel Pavilonis, senior market strategist at Stone X.

    Ahmad Assiri, market strategist at Pepperstone Group Ltd, noted: “A softer reading will be a relief for gold traders, as it would support the case for holding rates steady. The greater risk lies in an upside inflation surprise, which would likely strengthen the case for a hike, creating what could be massive pressure on the precious metal.”

    Internationally, gold is likely to find support at USD 4,400–USD 4,365 per troy ounce, with resistance at USD 4,474–USD 4,510. Silver support is at USD 65.80–USD 64.70, while resistance is placed at USD 68–USD 69.10 per troy ounce.

    On the MCX, gold has support at Rs 1,51,500–Rs 1,50,150 and resistance at Rs 1,53,300–Rs 1,54,100. Silver is expected to find support at Rs 2,37,700–Rs 2,35,000, with resistance at Rs 2,41,400–Rs 2,44,000.

  • FTSE 100 Dips 18 Points as Rising Oil Prices and US-Iran Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

    FTSE 100 Dips 18 Points as Rising Oil Prices and US-Iran Tensions Weigh on Sentiment

    The FTSE 100 opened 18.66 points lower at 10,793 on Wednesday, dragged down by rising oil prices and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict. Brent crude futures climbed 1.60% to $99.49 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) advanced 1.39% to $94.32 per barrel.

    Sterling traded at $1.3351, down from $1.3548 at Tuesday’s London close, and remained steady against the euro at €1.1643.

    Gainers & Losers

    Gainers: Computacenter rose 3.00% to 5,320p; Aberdeen Group advanced 2.10% to 252.80p; BP gained 1.80% to 560p; SSE added 1.50% to 2,430p; Centrica increased 1.44% to 154.55p; and Reckitt Benckiser Group rose 1.35% to 5,114p.

    Losers: Lion Finance Group fell 1.39% to 13,510p; London Stock Exchange Group declined 1.10% to 8,620p; Coca-Cola HBC dropped 1.00% to 4,544p; Games Workshop Group slipped 0.94% to 17,830p; Diploma lost 0.70% to 7,120p; and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners edged 0.51% lower to 7,830p.

    Energean Profit Jumps 45% in H1

    Energean shares surged over 4% in early trade after reporting first-half earnings ahead of forecasts. Total revenue from production fell 8% to $743 million, and adjusted EBITDAX declined 5% to $478 million, but both beat the $410 million estimate. A 29% rise in realized liquids prices lifted liquids revenue 14% to $267 million. Profit after tax reached $160 million, up 45% from $110 million a year earlier, as free cash flow rose 35% to $250 million on lower capital expenditure.

    Gym Group’s Profit Doubles

    The Gym Group doubled its pre-tax profit to £4.3 million in the first half of the year, improving 48% year-on-year, as revenue jumped 10% to £133 million. The company noted that Gen Z consumers are increasingly prioritizing fitness in their spending.

    Aberdeen Names New Chairman

    Aberdeen Group appointed Torbjörn Magnusson as chairman, replacing Douglas Flint who moved to insurer Prudential. Magnusson previously served as CEO and President of Sampo Group for six years until 2025. Interim Chairman Jonathan Asquith praised Magnusson’s “particularly strong track record of delivering growth and creating shareholder value.”

    Global Market View

    In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 628.18 points (1.18%) to 52,786.07, the S&P 500 fell 0.58% to 7,673.52, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.32% to 26,421.41. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.19% to 65,142.78, China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.33%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.33%, and South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.4%. India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex declined 0.65% and 0.69%, respectively.

    Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice. This article is for informational purposes only. Always conduct your own research before investing.

  • Wall Street Futures Drop as Brent Crude Surges Past $100, Reviving Inflation Fears

    Wall Street Futures Drop as Brent Crude Surges Past $100, Reviving Inflation Fears

    US stock futures declined on Wednesday as Brent crude oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since July, reigniting concerns about inflation ahead of key economic data releases. Investors are closely monitoring rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields, and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision.

    Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell approximately 331 points, or 0.6%, while S&P 500 futures dropped 0.4%. NASDAQ-100 futures also declined 0.5%. The losses followed a weak session on Tuesday, when the Dow dropped 1.2%, its largest one-day decline in nearly three weeks. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, and the NASDAQ Composite lost 0.3%.

    Brent crude rose more than 2%, briefly surpassing $100 per barrel. The surge was driven by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which raised worries about energy supplies from the Middle East. Reports of attacks involving oil tankers and military assets heightened concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Kara Murphy, chief investment officer at Kestra Investment Management, described the market move as “a little bit of a speed bump.” She noted that with fewer earnings reports to follow, investors are focusing more on macroeconomic risks.

    Treasury yields also rose, with the 10-year US Treasury note briefly exceeding 4.8% on Tuesday. Higher yields can pressure stock valuations by making government bonds more attractive relative to equities.

    Investors are now preparing for two critical inflation reports: the Producer Price Index on Thursday and the Consumer Price Index on Friday. These data points will help shape expectations ahead of the Federal Reserve’s September policy meeting. Market pricing currently implies about a 60% probability of a 25-basis-point rate increase. A stronger-than-expected inflation reading could boost those expectations, while a softer reading might support holding rates steady.

    Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and other policymakers have continued to emphasize inflation in their recent communications, keeping oil prices and inflation data at the center of trader attention.

    Global markets also reflected the cautious mood. European stocks traded lower, with the Stoxx 600 falling 0.7%. Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 declined, while Italy’s FTSE MIB recorded a steeper drop. The UK’s FTSE 100 also moved lower. In Asia, results were mixed: Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 0.19% lower, South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.4%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.11%, and China’s CSI 300 rose 0.3%.

    The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) remained near 15, below its long-term median of 17.6, suggesting that while near-term volatility is low, traders face several risk events in the coming weeks, including inflation data, the Federal Reserve meeting, and further developments in the US-Iran conflict.