The FTSE 100 was little changed at 10,620 on Friday, hovering near its highest level since early March and poised for a third straight weekly gain. Sentiment remained cautiously optimistic ahead of scheduled US–Iran negotiations over the weekend, even as geopolitical tensions persisted. President Trump sent mixed signals, voicing hope for a potential agreement with Tehran but later issuing a warning over Iran’s decision to levy fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry accused Iran and its proxies of launching new drone attacks, while the strategically vital waterway remained largely obstructed.
In corporate news, student accommodation provider Unite Group rose 0.7% after reiterating its guidance on occupancy and rental growth, though it cautioned that results for the 2026/27 academic year were likely to come in at the lower end of prior expectations. By contrast, shares in catering giant Compass Group declined, pressured by a downbeat trading update from French peer Sodexo.
