London stocks pulled back on Wednesday as market participants entered a fresh quarter with caution, focusing on incoming global manufacturing PMI data, developments in Iran-Qatar mediation talks and commentary from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey on the path of inflation.
The FTSE 100 was 0.29% lower as of 03:20 ET (07:20 GMT). Continental peers also slipped, with Germany’s DAX down 0.03% and France’s CAC 40 falling 0.49%. The pound eased against the dollar, with GBP/USD down 0.23% at 1.3232.
Diplomatic activity in Doha drew attention. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, described the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran’s "greatest instrument of power," and said that discussions on a final deal will not begin until the provisions of the memorandum of understanding are implemented. Qatar’s prime minister met with U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner in Doha; Iranian negotiators were also present for what Qatar’s foreign ministry termed technical talks, "whether direct or indirect."
Monetary policy commentary from the Bank of England further influenced market tone. Governor Andrew Bailey told CNBC the Bank "would have been back at our 2.0 target around about April, May time," and described the fact that the inflation rate has not returned to target as "hugely frustrating." When asked by CNBC’s Sara Eisen whether the delay was "all because of the war," Bailey replied, "I think so, yes."
UK consumer price inflation stands at 2.8% and is projected in the commentary to rise toward 3.2% later this year due to lagged effects from energy prices. Bailey cautioned that returning to the 2.0% target "is going to take longer," and said that a softer economy and a softer labour market provide the Monetary Policy Committee with room for patience despite two members dissenting at the last meeting in favour of tighter policy.
Commodities moved in response to the geopolitical backdrop. Brent crude rose to $73.13 a barrel, up 0.25%, while West Texas Intermediate increased 0.14% to $69.60. Precious metals saw losses: gold futures fell 1.43% to $3,981.05 an ounce, with spot gold down 0.97% at $3,969.62.
Housing data added texture to the market narrative. Nationwide reported that annual UK house price growth picked up to 2.2% in June from 1.7% in May, although prices were flat month-on-month after seasonal adjustment. The average UK home price was reported at £277,484.
Nationwide’s chief economist Robert Gardner said the market had "softened a little in recent months" amid uncertainty stemming from the Middle East and higher energy prices and mortgage rates. Gardner noted that the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding "helped push oil prices back towards the levels prevailing before the conflict began," a development that could lessen the case for further Bank of England rate increases.
Regional performance in the housing market varied: Northern Ireland was the strongest area, up 8.6% year-on-year in the second quarter, while the Outer South East recorded the weakest outcome at 0.1% growth. Gardner added that the shift in market rate expectations has begun to feed through to lower fixed-rate mortgage pricing, which "if maintained" should help support a recovery in housing activity "providing that domestic political uncertainty does not adversely impact sentiment." The commentary also noted the unusual degree of political churn, with Bailey separately observing he is now approaching his fifth prime minister during his tenure at the Bank.
Company-level news underlined mixed sector dynamics. CMC Markets raised its FY27 net operating income forecast, attributing the change to strong growth in its B2B partnerships. Topps Tiles warned that FY26 profit could decline amid weaker demand, customer trade-downs and disruptions caused by heatwave conditions. Greggs announced that Chief Financial Officer Richard Hutton will step down after 28 years with the company. Associated British Foods maintained a lower annual profit outlook while Primark reported 3% revenue growth.
Market snapshot
- FTSE 100: -0.29% (as of 03:20 ET / 07:20 GMT)
- DAX: -0.03%; CAC 40: -0.49%
- GBP/USD: -0.23% at 1.3232
- Brent crude: $73.13, +0.25% | WTI: $69.60, +0.14%
- Gold futures: $3,981.05, -1.43% | Spot gold: $3,969.62, -0.97%