The FTSE 100 experienced a mostly flat trading day, holding steady after recent gains. Corporate news and newly released economic data presented investors with a complex picture, leading to cautious sentiment. While some stocks demonstrated positive momentum, losses in other major constituents of the index weighed on overall performance.
- The FTSE 100 was mostly flat on Tuesday.
- AstraZeneca, HSBC, Unilever, British American Tobacco, and GlaxoSmithKline experienced losses.
- Shell, Relx, and Rolls-Royce saw gains.
- Entain soared over 6% after a UBS upgrade to “buy”.
- UK unemployment rose to 4.5%, the highest since 2021.
- Wage growth slowed in the UK.
- The economic data reinforces expectations of potential Bank of England interest rate cuts.
The performance of the index seems to reflect a market grappling with conflicting forces. Weakening economic indicators are fueling speculation about monetary policy easing, potentially providing a future boost. However, immediate gains are tempered by underperformance in key sectors, creating a state of watchful anticipation.