Tag: Brent Crude

  • Gold Prices Slip 0.48% on MCX to ₹1,41,800 as US Dollar Strengthens; Key Support and Resistance Levels in Focus

    Gold Prices Slip 0.48% on MCX to ₹1,41,800 as US Dollar Strengthens; Key Support and Resistance Levels in Focus

    Gold traded lower on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Tuesday, July 28, as a stronger US dollar and anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision weighed on the precious metal. August gold futures declined by 0.48%, settling at ₹1,41,800 per 10 grams.

    September silver futures also took a hit, falling 1.73% to ₹2,17,343. In the energy sector, Brent crude futures dropped 1.20% to $87.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) edged down 1.16% to $81.65 per barrel.

    The decline comes as the US dollar index hovered near 101.5 ahead of the Fed’s rate decision scheduled for July 29. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now price in an 81% chance of a rate hike in September, adding pressure on gold prices.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In India, 24K gold fell by ₹169 to ₹1,44,170 per 10 grams, while 22K gold declined by ₹155 to ₹1,32,150. Prices varied slightly across major cities:

    • Mumbai: ₹1,44,170
    • Kolkata: ₹1,44,170
    • Delhi: ₹1,44,320
    • Chennai: ₹1,44,160

    US Gold Prices

    Across the Atlantic, spot gold fell 0.7% to $4,044.81 per ounce, after rising about 1% on Monday. US gold futures for August delivery lost 0.8% to $4,045.40. Other precious metals mirrored the decline: spot silver dropped 1.9% to $57.30, platinum lost 1% to $1,605.14, and palladium slid 1.6% to $1,271.09.

    Key Levels to Watch

    Market analysts remain cautious ahead of the Fed’s decision. Ilya Spivak, Head of Global Macro at Tastylive, commented: “We’re oscillating in this narrow range between $3,950 and $4,200, and I think the market is just waiting for Fed signals.” Spivak added that if the Fed meeting does not set the groundwork for a September rate hike, gold is likely to rally above $4,200 per ounce.

    Key support and resistance levels for traders:

    • International Gold: Support at $4,034 and $4,000; resistance at $4,110 and $4,140 per troy ounce.
    • International Silver: Support at $57.20 and $56.60; resistance at $59.40 and $60 per troy ounce.
    • MCX Gold: Support at ₹1,42,200 and ₹1,41,400; resistance at ₹1,44,000 and ₹1,45,150.
    • MCX Silver: Support at ₹2,19,100 and ₹2,17,000; resistance at ₹2,24,000 and ₹2,26,600.

    As always, investors are advised to monitor global cues, the dollar index, and Fed statements for further direction in gold and silver prices.

  • Sensex Surges 776 Points, Nifty Nears 24,000 as Falling Oil Prices Boost Indian Markets

    Sensex Surges 776 Points, Nifty Nears 24,000 as Falling Oil Prices Boost Indian Markets

    Indian benchmark indices rebounded sharply on Monday, snapping a five-day losing streak, as easing crude oil prices and reduced geopolitical tensions lifted investor sentiment. The Sensex rallied 776.01 points, or 1.02%, to close at 76,835.78, while the Nifty ended just shy of the 24,000 mark at 23,995.95, gaining 0.96%. The Bank Nifty also advanced 393.70 points, or 0.69%, and the India VIX eased 8%, signaling a decline in market volatility.

    Broader markets outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index climbing 1.11% and the Smallcap 100 index jumping 1.31%. A sharp appreciation in the Indian rupee further boosted sentiment, as the currency surged 63 paise to settle at Rs. 95.90 per US dollar.

    Oil Prices Plunge, Easing Inflation Concerns

    The primary driver of today’s rally was a steep decline in global oil prices. Brent crude futures fell 7.93% to $89.11 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 7.05% to $83.01 per barrel. The drop in oil prices reduced inflation worries and improved the outlook for corporate margins, particularly for consumer and financial stocks.

    Top Gainers: Consumer and Financial Stocks Lead

    Investor sentiment remained selective, with buying interest concentrated in consumer-facing and financial stocks. Eternal emerged as the top gainer after a strong rally, while IndiGo, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, and Max Health also advanced on optimism surrounding earnings resilience and sector-specific growth prospects.

    Top Losers: Energy Stocks Under Pressure

    On the other hand, energy stocks came under pressure, with ONGC leading the losses as oil prices fell over 7% below $90. HDFC Life traded lower, while banking heavyweights HDFC Bank and Union Bank also witnessed mild selling.

    Middle East Calm Boosts Sentiment

    Market sentiment improved after a temporary pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran appeared to hold. The US military halted two weeks of strikes on Friday as diplomats sought to give peace talks ‘some space.’ Iran has also refrained from military operations against regional targets in recent days and said it would reciprocate following a China-led effort to revive stalled diplomatic talks in Pakistan. The prospect of reduced geopolitical tensions, alongside lower oil prices and gains across Asian markets, helped lift Indian equities.

    Levels to Watch

    Analysts see immediate support around the 23,700 level, while a break below 23,650 could trigger further downside. A decisive close above 24,000–24,130 is needed to improve the near-term outlook. Immediate resistance is 24,000; a sustained break above this could trigger a rally toward 24,200 in the near term.

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

  • Indian Rupee Strengthens 28 Paise as Crude Oil Drops to $92 Per Barrel

    Indian Rupee Strengthens 28 Paise as Crude Oil Drops to $92 Per Barrel

    The Indian rupee started the week on a strong note, gaining 28 paise against the US dollar after global crude oil prices fell sharply. On Monday, the rupee opened at 96.25 against the dollar, compared to Friday’s close of 96.53, driven by a 4.17% decline in Brent crude oil to around $92 per barrel.

    Market analysts attribute the rupee’s strength primarily to the drop in crude oil prices. India imports the majority of its crude oil, so lower oil costs reduce the country’s import bill and the demand for US dollars, providing support to the domestic currency.

    Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, commented on the situation, noting that President Donald Trump is giving negotiations ‘a little bit of room.’ Waltz added, ‘We’ve had both Oman and Iran, and a number of our other negotiators, engaged at every level, from the most senior levels all the way down to the technical level over the past few weeks and particularly in the past few days.’

    The dollar index, which measures the US currency against a basket of six major currencies, fell 0.26% to 101.04, further supporting the rupee’s gains. Traders said a weaker US dollar combined with lower oil prices boosted market confidence.

    Experts suggest that future movements in the currency market will depend on global events, including oil price trends, US economic data, and decisions by major central banks. These factors will continue to influence the foreign exchange market.

    A sustained fall in crude oil prices could have broader economic benefits beyond supporting the rupee. Lower oil prices can reduce transportation costs as fuel becomes cheaper, which may help slow the rise in everyday prices. If crude oil remains low for an extended period, inflation could ease further, benefiting both businesses and consumers while giving the Indian economy more room to grow.

  • FTSE 100 Hits 10,670 as Retail Sales Surge and HSBC Sells Insurance Unit for $2.1B

    FTSE 100 Hits 10,670 as Retail Sales Surge and HSBC Sells Insurance Unit for $2.1B

    The FTSE 100 opened 31 points higher at 10,670 on Friday, buoyed by a strong retail sales report and a major corporate deal, even as Middle East tensions, rising oil prices, and new US tariff risks weighed on broader market sentiment.

    Oil prices continued to climb, with Brent crude futures falling 2.22% to $98.45 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declining 2.21% to $90.15 per barrel. Sterling strengthened to $1.3315 early Friday from $1.3303 at Thursday’s London close, while against the euro, the pound edged down to €1.1693.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, 3i Group rose 3.33% to 2,763p, RELX advanced 3.31% to 2,532p, and JD Sports Fashion gained 3.12% to 88.46p. Weir Group climbed 2.67% to 2,612p, Pershing Square Holdings added 2.58% to 3,736p, and Sage Group increased 2.56% to 842p.

    On the downside, Airtel Africa declined 5.32% to 327.20p. Shell fell 0.76% to 3,318.50p, while AstraZeneca slipped 0.69% to 12,600p. GSK dropped 0.50% to 1,896p, Endeavour Mining eased 0.45% to 3,548p, and Rio Tinto edged 0.37% lower to 6,831p.

    US Tariffs

    The US announced new tariffs on 60 trading partners over forced labor concerns, replacing an expiring global duty introduced earlier this year. The levies, effective Friday, range from 10% to 12.5%. Canada, the EU, and the UK are expected to face the lower 10% rate, while China and Japan are among those facing the higher 12.5% rate.

    Retail Sales Jump

    Retail sales jumped in June as heavy discounting drove online shopping. The volume of retail sales rose by 1% in June, following 1.2% growth in May, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Online shopping grew to its largest proportion of total retail sales since spring 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic kept consumers away from high streets.

    Hannah Finselbach, senior statistician at the ONS, said: “Internet retailers did especially well, with businesses telling us that this was because of promotions and the warm weather.”

    HSBC Sells Insurance Business

    HSBC has agreed to sell its life and health insurance business in Singapore to Allianz for $2.1 billion (£1.6 billion). Completion is anticipated in the first half of 2027. The deal is expected to generate HSBC a pre-tax gain of $1.8 billion. The transaction follows an internal review, with HSBC determining that a sale would be the “best outcome for both parties” as the bank focuses on areas where it has a “clear competitive advantage”.

    Global Market View

    In the US, stocks fell overnight: the Nasdaq declined 2.2%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.2% (its worst session of the month), and the Dow shed 1%. In Asia on Friday, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.73% to 64,611.15, while China’s Shanghai Composite dipped 1.61%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 1.04%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell 5.72%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex fell by 0.31% and 0.44%, respectively.

    Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance on cryptocurrencies and stocks. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investments.

  • Gold Prices Dip as Brent Crude Trades Above $100, Fueling Rate Hike Expectations

    Gold Prices Dip as Brent Crude Trades Above $100, Fueling Rate Hike Expectations

    Gold prices edged lower on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on July 24 as Brent crude oil held above $100 a barrel, intensifying inflation concerns and reinforcing expectations for a September rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    MCX August gold futures dropped 0.7% to Rs 1,41,824 per 10 grams. September silver futures also declined, falling 0.88% to Rs 2,17,447. In the physical market, 24K gold fell by Rs 185 to Rs 1,44,330 per 10 grams, while 22K gold declined by Rs 170 to Rs 1,32,300. Prices in Mumbai and Kolkata stood at Rs 1,44,330, Delhi at Rs 1,44,480, and Chennai at Rs 1,44,330.

    US Gold and Precious Metals

    Spot gold slipped 0.4% to $4,030.09 per ounce, extending losses after a 2% drop in the previous session. U.S. gold futures for August delivery were also 0.4% lower at $4,033.20. Spot silver fell 0.7% to $57.29 per ounce but was on track for a weekly gain of 2.5%. Platinum dropped 1.3% to $1,579.49, and palladium declined 1.5% to $1,237.50, both heading for a weekly loss.

    Key Levels to Watch

    According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now see an 81% probability of a quarter-point rate hike in September. Elevated crude oil prices above $100 are adding to inflation pressures, strengthening the case for tighter monetary policy.

    GoldSilver Central Managing Director Brian Lan noted, “In the short term, we expect more volatility… gold has been trading between $3,980 and about $4,170 and has been stuck in this range for weeks. Every time prices hit close to $4,000 or slightly below, we see big buyers coming to buy it back up.”

    Technically, XAU/USD trades around $4,030 and remains capped below the 21-day simple moving average (SMA) at $4,068.50 and the 50-day SMA at $4,231.04. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits near 44, indicating neutral-to-soft momentum. Immediate resistance is at $4,068.50, followed by the 50-day SMA near $4,231.04. A break above that would face further resistance at the 100-day SMA ($4,479.88) and the 200-day SMA ($4,494.74), which form a dense zone that needs to be reclaimed to ease the broader bearish tone.

  • MCX Gold Slips 0.48% to ₹1,44,984 as Profit Booking Emerges; Brent Crude Jumps 2.30% to $96.23

    MCX Gold Slips 0.48% to ₹1,44,984 as Profit Booking Emerges; Brent Crude Jumps 2.30% to $96.23

    Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) experienced a decline on July 23, driven by profit booking after a 2% surge in the previous session. The retreat comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices.

    August gold futures fell 0.48% to ₹1,44,984 per 10 grams, while September silver futures dropped 0.40% to ₹2,26,090 per kilogram. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures climbed 2.30% to $96.23 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) advanced 1.81% to $88.40 per barrel.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In the Indian market, 24K gold rose by ₹77 to ₹1,47,280 per 10 grams, while 22K gold increased by ₹70 to ₹1,35,000. City-wise prices showed Mumbai and Kolkata at ₹1,47,280, Delhi at ₹1,47,420, and Chennai at ₹1,46,520.

    US Gold Prices

    In the United States, gold prices held steady on Thursday, pulling back from two-week highs reached in the previous session. The escalating Middle East conflict, particularly the US-Iran tensions, continued to push oil prices higher. Spot gold was little changed at $4,132.01 per ounce, while US gold futures for August delivery fell 0.4% to $4,134.60.

    Spot silver gained 0.3% to $59.90 per ounce, platinum rose 0.7% to $1,656.24, and palladium advanced 0.8% to $1,301.25.

    Key Levels and Analyst Insights

    “Oil continues to be up, adding to pressures of inflation and expectations of Fed interest rate hikes, capping a positive undertone in gold as the dollar weakens,” said Jigar Trivedi, a senior research analyst at IndusInd Securities.

    According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now see a 77% chance of a September rate hike by the US Federal Reserve. Key support levels for MCX gold are at ₹1,44,400 and ₹1,43,350, while resistance stands at ₹1,46,800 and ₹1,48,000. For silver, support is at ₹2,24,400 and ₹2,22,000, with resistance at ₹2,29,100 and ₹2,31,000.

    “We suggest long-term investors must hold their long positions in gold and silver, but traders can book profits in every market rise in gold around ₹1,47,000 and ₹1,48,000 range and in silver around ₹2,31,000 and ₹2,33,000 range,” advised Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvifinmart Commodity Research.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

  • FTSE 100 Opens Lower After Rally as Brent Crude Surges Above $97; Mixed Corporate Earnings in Focus

    FTSE 100 Opens Lower After Rally as Brent Crude Surges Above $97; Mixed Corporate Earnings in Focus

    The FTSE 100 opened 16.72 points lower at 10,700.25 on Wednesday, pulling back after a sharp rally that pushed the index to a 20-week high of 10,716.97. The decline came as oil prices continued to climb, with Brent crude futures jumping 3.36% to $97.23 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gaining 2.75% to $89.22.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Segro led the gainers with a 7.06% rise to 958.20p. Anglo American advanced 4.93% to 3,703p, while 3i Group rose 2.98% to 2,628p. RELX gained 2.61% to 2,518.00p, BP climbed 2.32% to 551.80p, and Tritax Big Box REIT added 1.84% to 171.90p.

    On the downside, Whitbread fell 3.14% to 2,379p. Endeavour Mining declined 2.49% to 3,650p, while London Stock Exchange Group slipped 1.34% to 8,566p. AstraZeneca dropped 1.26% to 12,542.00p, Games Workshop Group eased 0.90% to 19,920p, and Lion Finance Group edged 0.69% lower to 11,520p.

    Mixed Numbers from Centrica

    Centrica hiked its interim dividend by 9% despite lower first-half profits, as energy-market volatility slowed progress in parts of the British Gas owner’s business. Underlying earnings (EBITDA) of £737 million were reported for the six months to June, down 18% year-on-year. Statutory profit before tax swung to £672 million from a £43 million loss.

    Burnham to Cut Pub Business Rates

    Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues, funded by cracking down on businesses like vape shops and tax-avoidant online sellers. The £100 million commitment follows a campaign by hospitality venues after tax bills soared due to Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget last year.

    EasyJet Profits Decline

    EasyJet reported a 70% fall in third-quarter profit, with headline profit before tax of £85 million for the three months to June, down from £286 million a year earlier. The Middle East conflict kept fuel costs elevated and affected bookings. Group revenue advanced 2% to £2.98 billion, but fuel costs jumped 17% to £732 million.

    Jupiter’s Net Inflows Continue

    Jupiter’s net inflows and profit jumped despite the loss of two mandates. Net inflows reached £700 million in the first half of the year, driven by momentum in retail, wholesale, and investments. Assets under management (AUM) rose 36% to £73.7 billion, supported by the acquisition of CCLA. Revenue grew 39% to £213.3 million.

    Global Market View

    In the US, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 fell 0.6% and 0.1%, respectively, while the Dow Jones finished little changed. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.46% to 66,422.6, and China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.25%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 1.09%, and South Korea’s Kospi rose 4.4%. In India, the Nifty 50 and the Sensex fell 0.49% and 0.56%, respectively.

  • Gold Prices Surge 1.07% on MCX to Rs 1,44,408 as Middle East Tensions Boost Brent Crude Above $92

    Gold Prices Surge 1.07% on MCX to Rs 1,44,408 as Middle East Tensions Boost Brent Crude Above $92

    Gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) climbed sharply on July 22, tracking a positive global trend and rising crude oil prices driven by escalating US-Iran tensions. The August gold contract rose by 1.07% to settle at Rs 1,44,408 per 10 grams, while September silver futures gained 0.94% to Rs 2,25,886.

    In the international oil market, Brent crude futures advanced 1.20% to $92.10 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) edged up 1.08% to $85.25 per barrel. The rally in oil prices was fueled by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, which also supported safe-haven demand for gold.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In the Indian physical market, 24K gold rose by Rs 229 to Rs 1,46,510 per 10 grams, while 22K gold increased by Rs 210 to Rs 1,34,300. Regional prices were largely uniform: Mumbai and Kolkata quoted Rs 1,46,510, Delhi Rs 1,46,560, and Chennai Rs 1,46,510.

    US Gold Prices

    In the US markets, spot gold hit a two-week high, climbing 1.6% to $4,139.64 per ounce. August gold futures jumped 1.7% to $4,144.20. The rally was attributed to technical buying and heightened uncertainty over the widening Middle East conflict, as traders awaited the US Federal Reserve meeting scheduled for next week. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of a September rate hike now stands at 64%.

    Spot silver rose 1.9% to $59.87 per ounce, platinum gained 2.4% to $1,667.22, and palladium advanced 3% to $1,320.75.

    Key Levels and Analyst Outlook

    “Buyers have been stepping in seeking a value play after the recent pullback, while hopes for diplomatic progress between the US and Iran are also assisting price moves,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

    On the MCX, gold is seen with support at Rs 1,42,000 and Rs 1,41,400, while resistance is at Rs 1,44,000 and Rs 1,45,500. Silver has support at Rs 2,21,600 and Rs 2,18,800, with resistance at Rs 2,26,000 and Rs 2,28,800.

    Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvi Finmart Commodity Research advised traders to trail stop losses in long positions and book profits around Rs 1,44,400–Rs 1,45,500 for gold and Rs 2,27,000–Rs 2,30,000 for silver.

  • FTSE 100 Rises Above 10,598 Despite UK Inflation Data; Brent Crude Jumps to $94.22

    FTSE 100 Rises Above 10,598 Despite UK Inflation Data; Brent Crude Jumps to $94.22

    The FTSE 100 traded 12.33 points higher at 10,598.24 on Wednesday, defying cooler-than-expected UK inflation data that boosted the likelihood of near-term Bank of England rate cuts. Investors weighed rising oil prices and ongoing US-Iran tensions, with Brent crude futures surging 3.53% to $94.22 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gaining 3.53% to $87.32 per barrel.

    Gainers and Losers

    Top gainers:

    • Endeavour Mining: +2.34% to £36.37
    • Fresnillo: +1.29% to £25.99
    • Shell: +1.15% to £32.92
    • Admiral Group: +1.13% to £35.78
    • Reckitt Benckiser: +0.75% to £49.75
    • AstraZeneca: +0.45% to £125.48

    Top decliners:

    • Games Workshop Group: -2.43% to £196.50
    • London Stock Exchange Group: -1.86% to £84.40
    • Halma: -1.72% to £35.54
    • Experian: -1.52% to £26.59
    • Next: -1.51% to £147.25
    • Pershing Square Holdings: -0.95% to £37.54

    Mulberry Narrows Losses

    Mulberry reported a sharp reduction in annual losses and a return to revenue growth, with trading accelerating into the new financial year. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £8.9 million from £32.2 million, as revenues grew 4% to £125.5 million. Growth accelerated to 11% in the second half. The company swung to positive EBITDA of £0.8 million, compared with a £16.8 million loss a year earlier.

    Bloomsbury Expects Cash from Anthropic Settlement

    Bloomsbury, the publisher of Harry Potter, expects a significant payout from the $1.5 billion settlement paid by Anthropic following a copyright dispute. The firm will receive $3,000 for each of its 14,087 books included in the claim, putting it in line to take as much as $42 million (£32 million). Settlement payments will begin in the second half of this financial year. Bloomsbury shares jumped 1.5% to £652 at Wednesday’s market open.

    Fresnillo’s Gold Production Declines

    Fresnillo reported a decline in gold production in the first half of the year, despite an increase in the second quarter. The miner saw a 7.3% fall in production in the six months to end of June, while second-quarter volumes were up 13.8% compared to the first quarter. The firm stated it will continue to focus on efficiency, cost control, and consistent volume performance. Fresnillo shares have fallen by almost a quarter since the start of the year.

    Global Market Overview

    In the US, stocks closed sharply higher, with semiconductor stocks leading the Nasdaq to a 1.3% gain to 25,837. The S&P 500 rose 0.9% to 7,509, and the Dow Jones added 0.7%. In Asia on Wednesday, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.18% to 66,115.6, while China’s Shanghai Composite advanced 0.07%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.13%, and South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.74%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex fell by 0.84% and 0.97%, respectively.

  • FTSE 100 Opens Lower Amid Mixed UK Jobs Data and Falling Oil Prices

    FTSE 100 Opens Lower Amid Mixed UK Jobs Data and Falling Oil Prices

    The FTSE 100 opened 22 points lower at 10,502 on Tuesday as investors weighed a proposed 10-day US-Iran ceasefire against fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Stronger-than-expected UK jobs data and lower June public borrowing offered a mixed picture for markets.

    Market Overview

    Brent crude futures fell 0.54% to $88.74 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 0.19% to $82.32 per barrel. Sterling strengthened to $1.3446 early Tuesday, up from $1.3418 at the London equities close on Monday. Against the euro, sterling rose to 1.1767 from 1.1755 a day earlier.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Babcock International Group surged 6.65% to £11.07, Antofagasta advanced 3.58% to £35.89, and BAE Systems gained 3.17% to £19.35. Endeavour Mining climbed 3.15% to £35.32, while Fresnillo rose 2.89% to £25.28. Glencore also added 2.19% to £5.23.

    On the downside, Games Workshop Group fell 1.44% to £198.50, London Stock Exchange Group declined 1.31% to £87.28, and Unilever slipped 1.19% to £45.84. Diploma lost 1.02% to £72.95, Admiral Group dropped 1.51% to £35.22, and Next edged 0.61% lower to £147.90.

    UK Unemployment Declines

    UK unemployment fell to 4.9% in the three months to May, down 0.1 percentage points on the quarter and below the 5% forecast, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported Tuesday. Employment rose by 148,000 in the quarter, well above analysts’ estimate of 80,000, pushing the employment rate to 75.1%. Average weekly earnings grew 4.3% year-on-year, just shy of the 4.5% forecast, while pay excluding bonuses rose 3.4%, in line with expectations.

    Private-sector regular pay growth was 2.9%, compared with 5.5% in the public sector. Vacancies fell by 7,000 to 712,000 in the second quarter.

    MHA’s Pre-Tax Profit Rises

    Professional services firm MHA posted double-digit revenue growth in its first year as a London-listed company. The group’s pre-tax profit jumped 11% to £39 million as revenue grew 12% to £251 million. Over the past year, listed client fees surged 16%, driven largely by 15% organic growth within that client base. Since its IPO, MHA has completed two key acquisitions: Baker Tilly South-East Europe and MS UAE in the Middle East. The firm aims to double its current size, targeting annual revenues of over £500 million.

    Key Fiscal Target Missed

    Official data on Tuesday showed the current budget deficit exceeded forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The ONS reported that borrowing to fund day-to-day public sector spending was £11.8 billion in June, around £1.3 billion above the OBR’s estimate. Government borrowing was slightly lower than expected at £16 billion in the month, though total borrowing in the current financial year reached £57.6 billion. Public sector debt was higher than the same point last year at 94.9% of GDP.

    Global Market View

    In the US, the S&P 500 fell on Monday as oil prices advanced, dropping 0.19% to close at 7,443.28. The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.05%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 307.16 points, or 0.59%. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 3.26% to 66,232.19, while China’s Shanghai Composite advanced 1.79%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.094%, and South Korea’s Kospi gained 3.56%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex fell by 0.33% and 0.41%, respectively.