London’s main share index recorded a small advance on Monday as markets digested a mix of geopolitical developments, energy-supply news and a stream of domestic corporate announcements.
As of 03:15 ET (07:15 GMT), the FTSE 100 was 0.26% higher from the previous close. Across the continent, Germany’s DAX was broadly flat, down 0.02%, while France’s CAC 40 was up 0.30%. The pound traded lower versus the dollar, changing hands at $1.3338 - a 0.11% decline on the day.
Diplomatic exchanges and NATO timing
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation that lasted nearly 90 minutes on Sunday, according to Russia’s foreign ministry. The ministry characterized the call as "businesslike and highly constructive," reporting that Trump "reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate the earliest possible cessation of hostilities" in Ukraine. The discussion was the fourth direct call between the two leaders this year.
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a "very good call" with Trump on Saturday, noting there is "a real prospect to put an end to this war," and called America's resolve decisive. The exchanges took place ahead of a NATO summit due to open Tuesday in Turkey - an event Mr. Trump intends to attend.
Iran mourning continues
Iran entered the third day of formal mourning on Monday as a 12-hour funeral procession for the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made its way through Tehran. Streets, airspace and many aspects of daily life were reported closed for the duration of the procession, with the ceremonial period scheduled to conclude on Thursday with a burial in Mashhad.
Mojtaba Khamenei, named as his father’s successor, has not appeared publicly since the February 28 airstrike that killed the supreme leader. Officials have said he sustained injuries and he has so far communicated only via written statements.
UK domestic politics and commentary
In domestic political news, Andy Burnham - the Makerfield MP frequently cited as a potential successor to the current prime minister - told an online audience he would not call a general election if he became prime minister, saying he would "work to the 2024 manifesto." He also said he planned to push his party toward electoral reform in the next manifesto. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham for fielding questions on Reddit rather than answering queries in a formal press setting.
Energy supply and commodity moves
OPEC+ confirmed a collective output increase from seven members - Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman - totaling 188,000 barrels per day from August. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly uplift agreed by the group.
On the market, Brent crude for September delivery traded down 0.42% at $71.82 a barrel while WTI for August delivery fell 0.32% to $68.47 a barrel. Gold futures for August delivery were reported up 0.91% to $4,162.51 an ounce, while spot gold was cited as down 0.60% at $4,150.56.
Corporate developments catching investor attention
- EasyJet: The budget carrier has accepted a £5.5 billion takeover offer from U.S. investment firm Castlelake at £6.90 per share, a transaction that could have implications across Europe’s aviation sector.
- Ocado: The online grocery group said CEO Tim Steiner will remain in his role until the start of 2028, after which he will move into a founder role through 2029 as part of the company’s defined succession plan.
- ITV: The broadcaster agreed to sell its media and entertainment division to Sky for £1.6 billion, while keeping ITV Studios and adding Love Productions to its retained business.
Autos update
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that U.K. new car registrations rose approximately 11% year-on-year in June, with battery electric vehicles accounting for 30% of the market in that month.
Overall, the market moved cautiously as investors balanced the near-term implications of diplomatic contacts on Ukraine, an extended period of mourning in Iran, and incremental OPEC+ supply increases alongside a stream of domestic corporate motions. Equity moves were modest and mixed across sectors, with energy and commodities showing small intraday changes and specific corporate actions influencing stock-level activity.