FTSE 100 FINISH LINE 22/4/26
FTSE 100 FINISH LINE 22/4/26
London equities finished modestly higher on Wednesday after an initially weaker start, with the FTSE 100 recovering into the green as investors navigated another volatile session driven by conflicting headlines around the Middle East ceasefire. Market sentiment remained fragile throughout the day as traders tried to assess whether the latest extension of the ceasefire by President Trump would prove durable, with lingering doubts over whether either Iran or Israel would fully respect the arrangement. That backdrop kept risk appetite constrained even as UK investors also absorbed a fresh rise in domestic inflation.
UK March CPI rose to 3.3% y/y from 3.0% previously, underlining the early inflationary effects of the Iran-related energy shock. The data reinforced the sense that supply chain and fuel pressures are starting to feed into prices, leaving the Bank of England in a difficult position as it weighs still-elevated inflation against growing geopolitical uncertainty. Even so, the broader market reaction suggested the print was firm rather than truly destabilising.
In sector terms, higher oil prices were a major driver of dispersion across the index. Brent crude pushed above $100/bbl after reports that at least three container ships had come under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying concerns over supply disruption. That move pressured the travel complex, with IAG -2.1%, easyJet -1.6%, and Wizz Air -1.3% as investors priced in the risk of higher fuel costs and weaker travel demand. By contrast, the energy majors outperformed, with BP +1.9% and Shell +0.8%, while miners including Fresnillo, Rio Tinto, Glencore and Anglo American rose more than 1% as stronger precious and base metal prices supported the sector.
On the corporate side, Reckitt was a notable laggard after disappointing quarterly revenue, sending the stock down 6.2%. In contrast, Bunzl gained 3.0% after reporting first-quarter revenue growth. Wealth and asset management names also traded well, led by Quilter +4.9% after record Q1 inflows, while Liontrust +0.7% and Aberdeen +0.4% also moved higher.
TECHNICAL & TRADE VIEW – FTSE100
Daily VWAP Bearish
Weekly VWAP Bullish
Above 10400 Target 11200
Below 10300 Target 10100
Disclaimer: The material provided is for information purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. The views, information, or opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual or company.
Past performance is not indicative of future results.
High Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% and 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with Tickmill UK Ltd and Tickmill Europe Ltd respectively. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Futures and Options: Trading futures and options on margin carries a high degree of risk and may result in losses exceeding your initial investment. These products are not suitable for all investors. Ensure you fully understand the risks and take appropriate care to manage your risk.
Patrick has been involved in the financial markets for well over a decade as a self-educated professional trader and money manager. Flitting between the roles of market commentator, analyst and mentor, Patrick has improved the technical skills and psychological stance of literally hundreds of traders – coaching them to become savvy market operators!