The FTSE 100 is trading 0.3% higher on Wednesday morning, while the FTSE 250 is flat, as investors weigh a fresh batch of UK corporate updates against a cautious geopolitical backdrop.
European markets are mixed. The DAX is down 0.1% after Germany’s flash manufacturing PMI unexpectedly dropped to 53.8 in September, while the CAC 40 (+0.4%) and Euro Stoxx 50 (+0.3%) are firmer.
In the UK, traders are awaiting the flash S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMIs for September, due at 9:30am.
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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
Geopolitics remains in focus after US President Donald Trump described a good meeting with Iran at the UN, according to reports, offering some relief to sentiment around the ongoing tensions.
Currencies and commodities
Sterling is softer, with GBP/USD down 0.3% at 1.3308. In commodities, spot gold is down 0.8% at $4,322 and spot silver has fallen 2.2% to $65.53. Oil is also lower, with Brent crude down 0.2% at $99.02 and WTI off 0.9% at $89.71.
FTSE 100 movers
Rentokil Initial (+2.18%) leads the risers, followed by Sage Group (+1.30%) and Standard Chartered (+1.15%). On the downside, Vodafone (-1.64%) and Spirax Group (-1.37%) are among the laggards, while JD Sports Fashion is down 1.42% after its half-year results despite initially rising following the report.
FTSE 250 movers
Renishaw is the standout gainer, up 4.25% following its final results, with Foresight Environmental Infrastructure (+3.08%) and XP Power (+2.86%) also higher.
Ceres Power Holdings is the biggest faller, down 6.57% after its interim results, while Cordiant Digital Infrastructure has dropped 2.37% on a first-quarter trading update.
Elsewhere, AstraZeneca confirmed EU approval for Trixeo in asthma, WPP announced a CFO succession, and Airtel Money outlined intentions to float.
