Market Open: Gulf Keystone Resilience, Volex Outlook

FTSE 100 opens flat as Volex raises its profit outlook, Gulf Keystone remains resilient and Brent crude edges higher amid Iran focus.

Market Overview

The FTSE 100 opened broadly unchanged, at 10,854.57, while the Euronext 100 gained 0.03 per cent and Germany’s DAX rose 0.23 per cent. European equities found support as concerns over the immediate impact of expanded US sanctions against Iran eased. Overnight in the US, the Nasdaq closed lower at 25,980.19 and the S&P 500 declined to 7,652.86.

Commodity markets were mixed, with copper lower while gold, Brent crude and natural gas edged higher. Bitcoin rose against sterling. The US dollar was unchanged versus the pound, while the Swiss franc, euro and Japanese yen weakened marginally and the Australian dollar strengthened slightly. Oil markets remained focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, although investors viewed the latest US economic pressure as posing less immediate risk to physical supply.

Market Numbers

FTSE 100: Up (0.001%), 10,854.57
Euronext 100: Up (0.03%), 1,933.47
DAX: Up (0.23%), 26,167.89
NASDAQ: Down, 25,980.19
S&P 500: Down, 7,652.86

In the Headlines

Production resilience – Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LSE:GKP)
The Kurdistan-focused oil and gas producer maintained financial resilience despite production disruption at its Shaikan Field, with operations subsequently resuming and output recovering. The company also declared a further interim dividend, highlighting its liquidity and ability to support shareholder returns.

Profit outlook raised – Volex (LSE:VLX)
The specialist power and data transmission manufacturer raised its FY2027 profit expectations after strong trading across its end-markets, led by demand from data centre customers. Improved operating leverage means the board now expects underlying operating profit to exceed current market expectations.

Currencies (vs GBP)

USD: Unchanged (0.00%), $1.3638
CHF: Down (0.00%), Fr.1.0941
EUR: Down (0.01%), €1.1688
JPY: Down (0.01%), ¥217.014
AUD: Up (0.00%), $1.9062
Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Up, £58.681.23

Commodities

Copper: Down
Gold: Up
Brent Crude: Up
Natural Gas: Up

This article was written by the editorial team at InvestorsHub/ADVFN and is provided for informational purposes only. In some cases, editorial staff may use artificial intelligence–based tools to assist in the research, drafting, or editing of content, under human review and oversight. This article does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. The views expressed are based on publicly available information believed to be reliable at the time of publication, but accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Readers should conduct their own independent research and consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.