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Highlights
FTSE 100 edges higher amid commodity sector strength, led by miners.
Shell (LON:SHEL) confirms no acquisition plans for BP (LON:BP.).
US dollar slides following comments from former President Donald Trump directed at the Federal Reserve.
The FTSE 100 has recorded modest gains as trading heads toward the close, with strength in commodity-linked stocks offsetting declines among major defensive and consumer staples companies. The index has been fluctuating within a tight range since the morning session, driven largely by advances in the basic materials sector.
Mining Sector Outperforms
Leading the upward momentum are mining companies, with Anglo American (LON:AAL), Antofagasta (LON:ANTO), and Glencore (LON:GLEN) among the most active risers on the day. These gains reflect renewed interest in commodity-focused equities as the US dollar weakens, enhancing the global competitiveness of resource-based firms listed in London.
The strength in miners has been sufficient to offset weakness in other sectors, contributing positively to the overall performance of the FTSE 100 during the session. Their gains come amid a wider backdrop of investor focus on hard assets and global supply trends.
Mixed Performance Across Broader Sectors
In the broader FTSE 350, other notable risers include 3i Group (LON:III), which maintains exposure to a prominent European discount retailer, and JD Sports Fashion (LON:JD.), both benefiting from sector-specific momentum. Also advancing are Entain (LON:ENT), which operates in the online gaming and betting segment, and St. James’s Place (LON:STJ), which operates within the wealth management space.
However, gains across these names are being offset by declines in some of the FTSE Dividend Yield stalwarts. Major consumer staples firms like Unilever (LON:ULVR) and British American Tobacco (LON:BATS) are trending lower, alongside pharmaceutical names Hikma Pharmaceuticals (LON:HIK), Haleon (LON:HLN), and Reckitt Benckiser Group (LON:RKT).
Shell Rejects Market Speculation on BP Deal
Shell (LON:SHEL) issued a statement clarifying it is not pursuing any acquisition of rival BP (LON:BP.), responding to speculation about a potential merger within the energy sector. The confirmation comes amid a period of heightened interest in consolidation scenarios across global oil and gas markets. Both firms remain independently listed on the FTSE 100, with Shell continuing to feature in the FTSE Dividend Stocks due to its established dividend payout record.
Dollar Weakness Follows Fed Pressure
Currency movements have influenced sentiment during the session. The US dollar has weakened, reaching levels not seen in several years, after recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump that increased pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The decline in the dollar has had a pronounced effect on global equity markets, especially those with significant exposure to exports and commodities.
The British pound has strengthened in response to the dollar's fall, moving near levels last reached in early twenty-two. This shift in exchange rates adds another dynamic to the London market landscape, as multinational firms assess the implications for revenues and costs denominated in different currencies.
US GDP Data Leaves Markets Unshaken
Economic data from the United States earlier in the day showed a contraction in gross domestic product for the first quarter, with the pace of decline revised further downward. Despite this, there has been limited market reaction, with attention now turning to upcoming data releases on personal spending.
Key revisions within the GDP data pointed to weaker outlays on recreational and transportation services, indicating sensitivity to broader shifts in consumer sentiment. These updates are being viewed through the lens of previous market turbulence linked to global trade developments.
Overall, the FTSE 100 remains marginally positive heading into the final minutes of trade, buoyed by strength in natural resource sectors and the ongoing narrative surrounding currency movements and macroeconomic signals.
