The latest updates on the FTSE 100 and London’s financial markets come from City A.M.’s newsroom, situated in the bustling heart of the City of London.
On Wall Street, stocks recorded minor losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average experiencing a slight dip to 39,282.33 points. While the overall trend was negative, specific sectors and companies saw varied performances. Notably, Trump Media & Technology made a strong debut, gaining 16.1 per cent, indicating investor enthusiasm for new ventures in the media and technology space. On the other hand, McCormick led the S&P 500 with a significant 10.52 per cent increase, showcasing robust performance in the consumer goods sector. Conversely, United Parcel Service faced a decline of 8.16 per cent after releasing its 2026 forecast, reflecting challenges or uncertainties in its outlook.
Across Asian markets, trading exhibited a mixed picture. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index edged up, suggesting positive sentiment in the Australian market, while South Korea’s Kospi Composite saw a decline, reflecting potential challenges or concerns in the Korean economy.
In the commodities market, oil prices experienced a decline due to a rise in US crude stockpiles. This development impacted both Brent crude futures and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures, highlighting the sensitivity of oil prices to supply and demand dynamics.
Meanwhile, in China, industrial profits surged, particularly among foreign-owned and private enterprises. The notable 10.2 per cent increase for January-February underscores the resilience and growth potential of the Chinese industrial sector.
Back in the UK, businesses adapted their hiring and wage plans, likely influenced by the upcoming April minimum wage hike. Insights from the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer shed light on this trend, indicating that businesses are adjusting their strategies in response to regulatory changes and market conditions.
As the financial markets navigate through a period with fewer economic events due to holidays, investor attention is focused on key data releases. Among these, the US and UK GDP numbers and consumer sentiment reports hold particular significance, providing insights into the health of the respective economies and consumer sentiment trends.
Of particular interest to investors is the upcoming release of the US personal consumption expenditures price index on Friday. This data point is closely watched as it helps investors and policymakers gauge inflation trends, which can have significant implications for monetary policy decisions and market sentiment.
Additionally, it’s important to note that UK markets will be closed on March 29th for Good Friday and on April 1st for Easter Monday, impacting trading volumes and market dynamics during this period.