FTSE 100 Index Flat; BATS Tumbles, WPP Rallies

The FTSE 100 was little changed on Tuesday, slipping 0.04% in early trading as European equities delivered a mixed performance. 

The pan-European Stoxx 600 inched 0.1% higher, while Germany’s DAX rose 0.4%. France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.2%.

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British American Tobacco was the biggest drag on the blue-chip index, with shares down 3.9% after the company reaffirmed its medium-term growth targets but cautioned that its 2026 performance is likely to land at the lower end of its guidance range.

WPP led the FTSE 100, climbing 5.1%. Defence contractors were also in demand, with BAE Systems and Babcock International both advancing 2.9%.

Man Group shares gained after JPMorgan upgraded the asset manager to Overweight from Neutral, pointing to a more optimistic outlook for earnings and performance fees heading into 2026. 

Frasers Group continued its expansion in the property sector, announcing the acquisition of Swindon Designer Outlet as part of its strategy to scale its retail footprint. The latest deal extends the group’s push into premium retail destinations.

Mining stocks were among the weakest performers. Antofagasta fell 2.3%, while both Anglo American and Glencore dropped 1.4% amid softer commodity sentiment. Tesco also slipped 2.3%, rounding out the day’s major fallers.

Overall, the FTSE 100 held steady despite sizeable individual stock moves, reflecting a cautious tone across European markets.