Index Update: The FTSE 100 index, a key benchmark index for the London stock exchange, was trading rose around 1.20% on 25 March 2026. 

Macro Update: The UK economy faces a complex outlook in March 2026 as the Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75%. While GDP growth is forecast at 1.1%, a Middle East energy shock has kept inflation at 3%, delaying expected rate cuts. Meanwhile, unemployment has reached a five-year high of 5.2%. 

Top Market Movers: Among top gainers on FTSE 100 index, Croda International PLC (LSE: CRDA) witnessed a rise of 4.48% followed by ICG PLC (LSE: ICG) witnessed a rise of 4.44%. 

Commodity Update: Currency markets showed early signs of fatigue in Asian trade on Wednesday, as traders remained cautious over U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to end the Iran conflict. While Trump indicated progress in discussions, Iran denied any direct negotiations, keeping uncertainty elevated. Gold surged 4.12% to USD 4,616.20, silver rose 6.07% to USD 73.95, and copper gained 1.53% to USD 12,242.00. Meanwhile, Brent crude declined 6.30% to USD 97.90, slipping below USD 100 amid easing supply concerns. 

Our Stance: The UK faces a fragile recovery as global conflict triggers energy shocks. With inflation at 3% and interest rates held at 3.75%, the Bank of England remains cautious. Slowing services and rising manufacturing costs suggest a challenging outlook despite modest 1.1% GDP growth. 

FTSE 100: The FTSE 100 Index is currently trading near 10,067.04, gaining around 1.02%, but continues to remain below its 21-day moving average near 10,362.42 and 10-day moving average near 10,150.11, indicating a weak near-term structure. The price action reflects a sharp pullback after a prior uptrend, followed by a mild rebound from lower levels, suggesting early signs of stabilisation. Momentum remains subdued, with the RSI near 40.83, indicating recovery from weaker levels but still below neutral. On the downside, 9,800–9,700 may act as a near-term base zone, while 10,200–10,400 is likely to act as a key hurdle, potentially capping any recovery. 

Source: Charts by EODHD/Others

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