FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Wavers on Tuesday

The FTSE 100 oscillated between modest gains and losses on Tuesday, pausing after Monday’s 0.8% advance as investors weighed rising oil prices against persistent uncertainty in the Middle East. Kingfisher was the standout performer, jumping more than 7% after upgrading its profit guidance on the back of strong momentum at Screwfix and in its Polish and Iberian operations. Smiths Group added about 4.5%, supported by higher revenue and an upbeat outlook, with the company flagging expected second-half growth at John Crane and ongoing benefits from the data-centre boom for its Flex-Tek division. Healthcare, consumer and energy names also moved higher, while defence and financial stocks came under pressure. Brent crude edged up, potentially snapping a four-session losing streak, as markets tracked supply dynamics and diplomatic developments. President Trump is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly and may also meet Iran’s president. In the UK, public sector net borrowing rose to £18.3 billion in August, overshooting forecasts of £15.5 billion, while borrowing over April–August reached £77.3 billion, above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s £69.2 billion projection.