The FTSE 100 hovered around the flatline on Monday as investors reacted cautiously to escalating tensions in the Middle East following U.S. involvement in Israeli strikes on Iran.
Market sentiment was mixed, with defensive plays and energy stocks like BP and Shell rising 1.3% and 0.8%, respectively, on higher oil prices.
In contrast, travel-related stocks came under pressure, with easyJet down over 2% and IAG nearly 1% lower, amid concerns about potential disruptions.
Defense stock BAE Systems also slipped over 1% as investors reassessed the implications of broader military conflict.
On the economic front, S&P Global’s UK flash composite PMI for June came in slightly above expectations at 50.7, indicating modest private sector growth.
Manufacturing contracted at a slower-than-expected pace with a reading of 47.7, while services matched forecasts at 51.3.
All sectors showed improvement from May, suggesting some resilience in the UK…
