Fed cut lifts equities, but UK debt and oil demand weigh on outlook:

                                                                 Source: Krish Capital Pty Ltd

Index Update: The FTSE 100 index, a key benchmark index for the London stock exchange, went up around 0.02% on 22 September 2025.  

Macro Update: Britain dominated headlines with sweeping political and economic moves: it joined Canada, Australia, and Portugal in formally recognising a Palestinian state, breaking from long-standing alignment with Israel and underscoring frustration over the Gaza conflict while reaffirming support for a two-state solution. Domestically, the government approved a £2.2 bn plan to bring London Gatwick’s northern runway into full use, boosting future passenger capacity. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also weighing proposals to scrap visa fees for top global talent to enhance competitiveness, even as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party pledged stricter migration rules, signalling sharply divergent visions for the country’s immigration policy. 

Top Market Movers: Among top gainers on FTSE 100 index, Endeavour Mining PLC (LSE: EDV) witnessed a rise of 5.66% followed by Fresnillo PLC (LSE: FRES) which gained around 3.61%. 

Commodity Update: The dollar held steady Monday as traders awaited speeches from Federal Reserve officials for clues on the U.S. rate outlook after the central bank resumed easing last week. Gold rose 0.56% to $3,726.70, silver gained 2.08% to $43.83, and copper inched up 0.10% to $10,002.75. Brent crude slipped 0.60% to $67.06, weighed down by EU measures targeting Russia’s energy revenues and Ukrainian strikes on infrastructure. 

Our Stance: Global markets opened the week under pressure as uncertainty over President Trump’s steep new H-1B visa fees rattled tech firms and foreign workers, sparking panic among employees and forcing companies to issue emergency advisories. While the White House later clarified the policy applied only to new applicants, the disruption underscored Silicon Valley’s heavy reliance on Indian and Chinese talent. At the same time, the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut has shifted focus to whether further easing will follow, with policymakers set for a week of speeches that could shape expectations ahead of the late-October meeting. U.S. futures slipped after last week’s record highs, reflecting caution over the combined impact of restrictive immigration policies, ongoing Fed uncertainty, and broader geopolitical concerns, while weak earnings updates from Europe’s auto sector added to the cautious tone. 

FTSE 100 

The FTSE 100 traded at 9,216.80, showing no significant change, while holding firm above key support at 8,900 and the 50-day SMA at 9,151.79. The index remains just below the 21-day SMA at 9,227.42, indicating limited upside momentum and potential for consolidation. The RSI at 51.93 signals a neutral to mildly positive outlook. Key support is placed at 8,950, while resistance levels are seen at 9,500 and 9,800. 

Source - EODHD/Others