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FTSE 100 Edges Up as European Markets Trade Mixed

Sam Boughedda trader
Updated 17 Mar 2026

The FTSE 100 edged 0.1% higher on Tuesday morning, while the more domestically focused FTSE 250 slipped 0.1% as European markets deliver a mixed performance so far in the session. Germany’s DAX has dipped 0.13%, while France’s CAC 40 has edged 0.1% higher.

Energy stocks have found support as oil prices climbed, with Brent crude up more than 3% to above $103 a barrel. This helped lift BP by 0.4% and Shell by 1%.

Among the top FTSE 100 performers, 3i Group rose 2.9%, Hikma Pharmaceuticals gained 2.8%, and United Utilities added 1.7%.

On the downside, Spirax Group fell 1.2%, alongside International Airlines Group, also down 1.2%, and Halma, which slipped 1.1%. Shares in IAG are now trading near levels last seen in July 2025, leaving the stock down 15.8% year-to-date and more than 18% over the past month.

In the FTSE 250, Trustpilot surged 13.7% to top the index, while Harbour Energy dropped 3.6%.

Elsewhere in the FTSE 250 index, Primary Health Properties reported preliminary results for 2025, with net rental income rising to £230 million and adjusted earnings increasing 41% to £131 million.

Separately, Close Brothers has announced plans to cut around 600 jobs after reporting a pre-tax loss of £65.5 million, reflecting additional provisions linked to motor finance liabilities.

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Sam is a trader and lead stock market writer at AskTraders. After starting his career in the forex market, Sam now focuses on stocks, specifically consumer staples. 
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