The FTSE 100 edged higher on Tuesday, as strong gains in consumer stocks offset weakness in banking and energy shares. Unilever jumped more than 6% after the consumer goods giant delivered better‑than‑expected results, supported by solid growth in the US and emerging markets, and raised its guidance for 2026.
Barclays was among the worst performers, dropping more than 5% despite a 16% rise in second‑quarter group income. The bank benefited from robust investment banking and US consumer operations amid elevated market volatility, but the figures triggered profit‑taking and dragged on the wider banking sector.
Energy stocks also came under pressure as oil prices extended their recent slide. Shell dipped 0.8% and BP slipped 0.4% after US President Donald Trump said there was a good chance of reaching an agreement with Iran, tempering geopolitical concerns and reducing fears of potential disruptions to global crude supplies.
