The FTSE 100 edged up just 0.2% on Tuesday, lagging broader European markets, which climbed more than 1%, as weakness in energy shares and underwhelming corporate updates weighed on the index. Oil majors Shell and BP fell 3% and 2.5% respectively, tracking Brent and WTI crude prices lower after both slipped back below $100 a barrel, with investors focused on potential US–Iran talks ahead of a two-week ceasefire deadline.
Imperial Brands dropped more than 5% after warning of market share losses, even as it left its guidance unchanged and flagged persistent geopolitical uncertainty. Its sector peer and index heavyweight British American Tobacco also retreated, shedding around 3%.
On the upside, Intertek jumped more than 10% after launching a strategic review that could include a breakup of the business, while reiterating its full-year outlook. Travel names also advanced as tensions eased, with EasyJet gaining 4.8% and IAG up 3%. Investors now shift their attention to upcoming earnings reports from Antofagasta and Barratt Redrow.
