Global Markets Rise on Trade Hopes as UK Faces Economic Strains:

Image Source : Krish Capital Pty Ltd

Index Update: The FTSE 100 index, a key benchmark index for the London stock exchange, went up around 0.82% on 24 July 2025.  

Macro Update: UK economic signals were mixed as July’s weak business activity and the fastest job cuts in five months raised expectations of a BoE rate cut, while strong corporate earnings provided a boost. Reckitt raised its annual forecast after solid Q2 sales in Asia, pushing its stock up 11%. Lloyds beat profit estimates with a 5% rise and increased its dividend, while Wizz Air missed expectations due to prolonged jet groundings. Britain signed its largest post-Brexit trade deal with India to boost trade by £25.5bn by 2040. The FTSE 100 hit a record intraday high, lifted by gains in Reckitt, AstraZeneca, and GSK. AstraZeneca’s new therapy for a rare autoimmune disease met all trial goals. Anglo American reported lower copper and diamond output and is restructuring to focus on core metals. 

Top Market Movers: Among top gainers on FTSE 100 index, Howden Joinery Group PLC (LSE: HWDN) witnessed a rise of 10.53% followed by BT Group PLC (LSE: BT.A) which gained around 10.49%. 

Commodity Update: The euro edged closer to a four-year high Thursday amid optimism over U.S.-EU trade talks. The yen held firm as markets reacted positively to signs of easing trade tensions. Gold dipped 0.26% to $3,388.95, while silver fell 0.43% to $39.33. Copper rose slightly by 0.13% to $9,942.95. Brent crude gained 0.40% to $68.75, supported by trade optimism and a sharper-than-expected drop in U.S. crude inventories. 

Our Stance: Global markets are buoyed by optimism over potential U.S.-EU trade agreements, with a 15% baseline tariff plan lifting sentiment across equities, oil, and emerging markets. Alphabet's strong capital spending plans boosted tech confidence, but Tesla's disappointing outlook and continued EV sales decline raised concerns, especially with regulatory hurdles slowing its robotaxi ambitions. While world stocks and indices like the S&P 500 and MSCI hit record highs, mixed earnings and trade policy uncertainties persist. Meanwhile, oil prices climbed on tighter U.S. inventories, and Chinese markets gained on rare earth and tourism stock rallies amid easing U.S.-China tensions. Overall, trade deal hopes are providing support, but corporate headwinds and regulatory risks remain in focus. 

FTSE 100 

The FTSE 100 is trading at 9,130.58, up 0.76%, and remains above a key breakout level now acting as support. The index is currently positioned above both the 21-day and 50-day Simple Moving Averages, reflecting a stable short-term trend. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 74.30 indicates elevated momentum, though some consolidation may occur in the near term. A potential pullback toward the 8,700 level could draw investor attention. With broader market conditions remaining steady, the FTSE 100 continues to show a constructive technical setup that may support further movement in the current direction. 

FTSE 100 Technical Chart, Source - EODHD/Others