FTSE 100 LIVE: Markets upbeat as UK and EU begin plan talks on Iran and Trump sets two week deadline
The FTSE 100 (^FTSE) and European indices were higher on Friday morning as Western powers moved to decide how they would involve themselves in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Tensions in the Middle East remain high, with markets in the US on edge over a potential decision by president Donald Trump. The White House press secretary relayed a message from the president that a decision would come within two weeks.
Meanwhile, leaders from the UK and EU are set to meet with Iranian officials. UK foreign secretary David Lammy is travelling to Geneva for a meeting with his French and German counterparts, as well as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.
London's premier index rose 0.3% in early trade, despite concerning retail sales data. Top risers in the index were Melrose Industries (MRO.L) and Standard Chartered (STAN.L).
The DAX (^GDAXI) in Germany gained 0.7%. In Paris the CAC 40 (^FCHI) tipped 0.7% higher
The pan-European STOXX 600 (^STOXX) rose 0.5%.
Oil prices have been volatile this week with worries about supply ramping up. On Friday, they were relatively calm, with brent crude (BZ=F) slightly above the flatline, at $76.74 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) was 0.2% lower, trading at the $75 per barrel mark.
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US stock futures edged lower Friday as investors weighed the possibility of direct US military involvement in the Israel-Iran war. President Trump on Thursday introduced a self-imposed two week time limit on his decision to enter the conflict, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already cautious market.
Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) were down over 150 points, or 0.4%, while S&P 500 futures slid 0.2% (ES=F) and Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) futures dipped 0.1%. Markets were closed Thursday in observance of Juneteenth, offering investors a brief pause as global headlines grew more volatile.
Read more on Yahoo Finance
Hello from London. Lucy Harley-McKeown here. Gearing up to bring you the latest business and markets news.
This morning we've already had UK retail sales data. We're also keeping an eye on the UK consumer confidence barometer from GfK.
Elsewhere, the Iran-Israel conflict continues.Why bitcoin and gold are rallying as bond yields hit 30-year highs
Looming petrol price increase could hit fragile consumer confidence
8 homes with film and TV links
US stock futures edged lower Friday as investors weighed the possibility of direct US military involvement in the Israel-Iran war. President Trump on Thursday introduced a self-imposed two week time limit on his decision to enter the conflict, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already cautious market.
Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) were down over 150 points, or 0.4%, while S&P 500 futures slid 0.2% (ES=F) and Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) futures dipped 0.1%. Markets were closed Thursday in observance of Juneteenth, offering investors a brief pause as global headlines grew more volatile.
Read more on Yahoo Finance
Hello from London. Lucy Harley-McKeown here. Gearing up to bring you the latest business and markets news.
This morning we've already had UK retail sales data. We're also keeping an eye on the UK consumer confidence barometer from GfK.
Elsewhere, the Iran-Israel conflict continues.
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Europe to give Iran message that US open to direct talks
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