The FTSE 100 declined more than 0.5% on Thursday as Brent crude extended its rally for a fifth consecutive session, climbing above $100 a barrel. Oil prices gained after Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, heightening concerns over supply disruptions. Shares in oil majors responded positively, with Shell up about 1.7% and BP advancing roughly 3%.
RELX ended the session slightly lower, surrendering early gains of around 2%, despite reporting first-half operating profit in line with expectations and reiterating its full-year guidance. BT fell more than 1% after it maintained its annual outlook even as quarterly profit edged lower. Centrica dropped 10.4% despite reaffirming its guidance following stronger-than-expected first-half earnings.
EasyJet reported a 70% drop in fiscal third-quarter profit and noted that its outlook remains heavily dependent on fuel prices and residual summer travel demand. On the monetary policy front, the European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged, in line with forecasts.
