FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Edges Down on Thursday

The FTSE 100 fell about 0.3% on Thursday, giving back part of the previous session’s 0.8% rebound, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to undermine sentiment and pressure risk assets. Travel-related stocks were among the worst performers, with airlines hit by widespread disruption. Airspace closures across the region have forced carriers worldwide to cancel more than 23,000 flights since the outbreak of hostilities. EasyJet shares dropped roughly 4%, while International Airlines Group declined more than 3.5%. By contrast, higher crude prices supported energy heavyweights, with both BP and Shell advancing about 1%. Elsewhere, Rentokil Initial surged nearly 10% after posting higher annual profits, and Taylor Wimpey gained more than 3% after unveiling a share buyback and reporting a strong start to its spring selling season.