FTSE 100 today: Pound tops $1.36 after ceasefire; oil, defense stocks drop

Investing.com – U.K. stocks higher on Tuesday following news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, raising hopes of a de-escalation in tensions between the two nations.

As of 1157 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 rose 0.4% and the British pound gained 0.8% against the dollar to over 1.35. 

DAX index in Germany gained 1.8%, the CAC 40 in France also rose 1.2%.  

Israel-Iran ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran had officially taken effect, signaling a possible end to the latest round of conflict between the two countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” Israel also acknowledged the truce, stating it had fulfilled its military objectives.

However, earlier on Tuesday, Israel alleged that Tehran had breached a ceasefire agreement. Following this, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel would refrain from launching a retaliatory strike against Iran.

Trump had initially blamed both Israel and Iran for failing to uphold the terms of the ceasefire. 

European oil, defense stocks slumps 

European energy and defense stocks slipped after Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

Early losses were seen in oil giants TotalEnergies SE (EPA:TTEF), Shell PLC (AS:SHEL), and BP PLC (LON:BP), as well as defense firms Leonardo SpA (BIT:LDOF), Rheinmetall AG (ETR:RHMG), and BAE Systems PLC (LON:BAES).

BoE’s Greene warns inflation may linger

Bank of England policymaker Megan Greene warned that the recent rise in U.K. inflation could indicate a lasting trend rather than a short-lived surge, suggesting a cautious approach to cutting interest rates.

“In my view, the near-term inflation outlook looks more like a ‘plateau’ than a ‘hump’,” Greene said in a speech at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.

Datroway gets U.S. approval for lung cancer treatment

AstraZeneca (LON:AZN)’s Datroway drug has received approval in the United States for treating adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

The British pharmaceutical company said that the U.S. has authorized the drug for patients who have previously undergone chemotherapy treatment.

U.K. regulator proposes strategic market status for Google 

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) proposed granting Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) strategic market status under its new digital markets framework.

This move marks an initial effort to boost competition in the country’s search engine sector.

The CMA plans to hold a consultation before reaching a final decision in October.

Amazon’s investment in U.K.

Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) it will invest £40 billion in the U.K. over the next three years to support innovation and the country’s AI ambitions.

The company estimates the investment could boost the UK’s GDP by £38 billion and includes new fulfillment centers, delivery stations, and upgrades to existing facilities.

Amazon also plans to create 4,000 jobs at new fulfillment centers in Hull and Northampton, with further hiring across other sites.

Bunzl (LON:BNZL) maintains full-year outlook

Shares of Bunzl rose about 2% after it said that its first-half 2025 performance is tracking expectations, supported by a new acquisition in Brazil.

Revenue for the six months to June 30 is projected to rise around 4% year-on-year at constant exchange rates, with flat underlying sales.

The group expects an operating margin of about 7%, and the anticipated drop in adjusted operating profit remains within guidance.

Bunzl reaffirmed its full-year outlook, maintaining its forecast for modest revenue growth in 2025 at constant exchange rates.

Telecom (BCBA:TECO2m) Plus meets profit forecasts amid lower revenue

Telecom Plus PLC (LON:TEP) reported an 8.1% rise in adjusted pre-tax profit to £126.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, aligning with market forecasts despite a drop in annual revenue.

Revenue declined by 9.9% to £1.84 billion, but gross profit edged up 0.8% to £358.1 million.

The company also saw a 5.4% increase in statutory pre-tax profit to £105.9 million and a 9.4% rise in adjusted EPS to 119.2p.

SThree sees broad decline in net fees, reaffirms FY25 profit outlook

Sthree Plc (LON:STEMS), the global STEM workforce consultancy, reported a 14% year-over-year decline in group net fees for the first half of fiscal year 2025.

The company experienced a 14% decrease in Contract net fees, which make up 84% of total net fees, while Permanent net fees fell 13%. Sthree’s contractor order book stood at £164 million, down 8% year-over-year, providing visibility for approximately five months of net fees.

The company noted improved performance in the US market, with the second quarter recovering to prior year levels, supported by strong demand for Engineering roles. Sthree reaffirmed its full-year 2025 profit before tax guidance of £25 million.

Rio Tinto (LON:RIO), Hancock to invest $1.61 billion in iron ore project

Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting will invest $1.61 billion to develop the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Rio Tinto announced Tuesday.

U.K. pledges 5% of GDP for defense by 2035

On the government front, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Monday to increase overall defense and security spending to 5% of economic output by 2035.

Britain also plans to invest £1 billion ($1.35 billion) to establish a biosecurity center.