28.04.202607:41:27UTC+00FTSE 100 Attempts Gains after 6-Day Loss

The FTSE 100 was flat to slightly higher on Tuesday after six consecutive sessions of losses, as investors weighed persistent tensions in the Middle East and limited progress in US–Iran negotiations. Brent crude rose above $111 per barrel, with the Strait of Hormuz still largely impassable, continuing to disrupt global trade flows.

Energy stocks underpinned the index. BP gained around 3% after posting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits, supported by higher oil prices and trading gains, even as it warned of potential impacts on production. Centrica and Shell also advanced more than 1%, while Anglo American inched higher after reporting solid copper output following the restart of a plant in Chile.

In contrast, Barclays dropped more than 3% despite unveiling a £500 million share buyback. Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey fell over 4% after highlighting growing pricing pressure amid stretched housing affordability. Separately, UK shop price inflation eased to 1% in April, as retailers cut prices to entice cautious consumers.