FTSE 100 Live: Stocks Slip as Iran-Israel Ceasefire, Babcock and Halfords Shine
The FTSE 100 dipped a bit today, but it still held strong at 8772.17, up by 13.18 points. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel after 12 days of US bombing eased some tension, while stars like Babcock International and Halfords stood out. This mix of global calm and company wins keeps investors watching the FTSE 100 closely.
Global trade tensions also stirred the pot. Chinese Premier Li Qiang spoke at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Tianjin, warning of growing challenges.
Wondering why Babcock’s stock shot up or how Halfords managed to stay steady? We dive into the details next. Stick around for clear insights on the FTSE 100 and its key players.
What Is the FTSE 100?
The FTSE 100 tracks the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange. It acts as a snapshot of UK economic health. Investors use it to gauge market trends and company strength.
Today, it rose to 8772.17, a small gain of 13.18 points. This resilience matters, especially with global shifts like trade tensions and ceasefires at play.
Global Events Shaping the FTSE 100
A ceasefire between Iran and Israel calmed markets after 12 days of US-led bombing. Peace, even temporary, often lifts investor mood. The FTSE 100 felt this, holding steady despite a slight stock slip.
Meanwhile, Li Qiang’s speech in Tianjin at the 2025 World Economic Forum warned of trade friction. This could pressure the FTSE-100, as global trade affects UK firms. Brent Crude oil above $68 a barrel also hints at energy costs influencing markets.
Babcock International Steals the Spotlight
Strong Growth Drives Shares Up
Babcock International, a defense and engineering firm, saw shares climb 12% or 126p to 1159p. Revenues hit £4.8 billion last year, up 11%. Profits grew 17% to 363 million, thanks to UK defense deals.
Big Moves for Investors
The company raised its dividend by 30% and started a 200 million pound share buyback. Its margin guidance jumped from 8% to 9%. Babcock’s stock has doubled in 2024, a win for FTSE watchers.
Here’s a quick look at Babcock’s numbers:
- Revenue: £4.8 billion, up 11%
- Profit: £363 million, up 17%
- Share Rise: 126p to 1159p
- Dividend Boost: 30%
Halfords Holds Steady
Halfords, a car and bike retailer, posted 38.4 million pounds in profit for 2024/25. Shares dipped 1.3p to 170p, but the firm sees growth ahead. Its focus on strategy keeps it relevant in the FTSE 100.
The slight drop shows mixed feelings. Yet, Halfords’ plans signal hope for a rebound.
Other FTSE 100 Movers
Several firms shape the FTSE 100 today. Rolls-Royce went up by 14.8p to 924p, and Glencore climbed 3.45p to 278.55p. THG jumped 13% or 3.6p to 31.7p, with its nutrition arm growing fast since 2022.
On the flip side, WPP fell 9p to 513p after Barclays cut its target to 550p. NatWest dropped 7.2p to 502.6p, and Barclays lost 3.6p to 329.9p. These shifts show the FTSE-100’s ups and downs.
Bunzl’s Dividend Strength
A Long-Term Winner
Bunzl, a distribution giant, boasts a 9.5% dividend growth rate for over 30 years. Its yield sits at 3.1%, above the 2.5% average. In 2024, it bought 13 firms for 883 million pounds, including Nisbets.
Recent Challenges
A profit warning tanked its shares by 25% in one day. Still, sustainable packaging rose to 14% of sales from 5%. Bunzl’s steady dividends keep it a FTSE 100 favorite.
How Markets Compare
The FTSE 100 outshone its peers today. Germany’s DAX fell 0.4%, and France’s CAC dropped 0.3%. The STOXX 600 dropped by 0.3%, and the pound stayed steady at 1.3613 against the dollar.
This steadiness reflects UK firms’ grit. Global events test markets, but the FTSE shows balance.
Final Thoughts
The FTSE at 8772.17 reflects a market facing global tests with grit. Babcock’s surge and Halfords’ steadiness shine amid a slight stock slip. Trade tensions and peace deals keep the FTSE 100 in focus for anyone tracking UK strength.
Disclaimer:
This content is made for learning only. It is not meant to give financial advice. Always check the facts yourself. Financial decisions need detailed research.