FTSE 100 today: shares slide amid escalating Middle East tensions; oil stocks gain

Published 06/17/2025, 03:32 PM
Updated 06/17/2025, 11:58 PM
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- British stocks moved lower on Tuesday as Middle East tensions escalated, with Israel claiming to have killed Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, while oil stocks extended their gaining streak.

The blue-chip index FTSE 100 fell 0.5%, while the British pound also dropped 0.5% against the dollar to above 1.3510. 

Meanwhile, DAX index in Germany slid 1.1 %, the CAC 40 in France fell 0.8%.  

European oil stocks rise amid Israel-Iran tensions

European oil stocks climbed on Tuesday, following a surge in crude prices, as the conflict between Israel and Iran extended into its fifth day.

Shares of Shell PLC (AS:SHEL), BP (NYSE:BP) PLC (LON:BP), Galp Energia (ELI:GALP), TotalEnergies SE (EPA:TTEF), Repsol (BME:REP), and Equinor ASA (OL:EQNR) traded higher.

Israel’s military reported conducting multiple large-scale strikes on military sites in western Iran, targeting missile storage facilities and launch systems.

Reeves touts Britain as haven of stability to global investors

U.K. finance minister Rachel Reeves encouraged global investors to see Britain as a haven of stability during a time of widespread political and economic uncertainty.

Addressing a Financial Times bond investor event, Reeves emphasized the government’s push to restore fiscal discipline and noted recent trade deals with the U.S., EU, and India.

Bunzl (OTC:BZLFY) shares drop as RBC downgrades rating

Bunzl PLC (LON:BNZL) shares slipped 2.9% after RBC Capital Markets lowered its rating on the stock to “sector perform” from “outperform” and trimmed its price target by 10% to 2,350p.

The downgrade reflects growing competitive pressures and reduced investor sentiment following the company’s profit warning in April.

Informa revenue rises, maintains 2025 outlook

Informa PLC (LON:INF) reported 9.3% underlying revenue growth in early 2025, driven by strong performances in its B2B Live Events and Academic Markets divisions.

Full-year guidance was reaffirmed, with group underlying revenue growth of 7% or more forecast for B2B Events and adjusted earnings expected to rise about 10%, assuming a 2025 average GBP/USD rate of 1.321. 

Ashtead sees rental revenue growth slowing on U.S. construction weakness

Ashtead Group PLC (LON:AHT) forecasted annual rental revenue growth between flat and 4%.

The company cited continued weakness in the U.S. commercial construction market as a factor in its projection.

Legal & General reaffirms growth targets with 2025 profit guidance

Legal & General Group PLC (LON:LGEN) stated it expects its 2025 group core operating profit to grow between 6% to 9%, which aligns with its three-year targets.

The company also provided an outlook for the next three years to 2028.

ASOS names new CFO

ASOS PLC (LON:ASOS) has appointed Aaron Izzard as its new Chief Financial Officer, replacing Dave Murray who will step down on June 30 to pursue other opportunities.

Izzard currently serves as the company’s director of group finance.

Morgan Sindall hikes profit outlook 

Morgan Sindall Group PLC (LON:MGNS) said it expects its annual pre-tax profit to be significantly ahead of previous expectations.

The company attributed this positive outlook to strong growth in its construction and fit out divisions.

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