Trade optimism and easing tensions lift UK and global markets:

Image Source : Krish Capital Pty Ltd

Index Update: The FTSE 100 index, a key benchmark index for the London stock exchange, went down around 0.17% on 30 June 2025.  

Macro Update: Britain, France, and Germany condemned threats against IAEA chief Rafael Grossi from an Iranian newspaper and urged Iran to resume cooperation with the agency and ensure its personnel's safety. The UK economy grew 0.7% in Q1 2025, the fastest in a year, driven by housing and manufacturing activity ahead of U.S. tariffs, though the momentum may not continue. WH Smith will receive less than expected from its high street business sale due to weaker trading, causing shares to fall 8%. A UK court upheld the legality of exporting F-35 jet parts to Israel despite humanitarian concerns. UK markets gained, with the FTSE 250 hitting a three-year high amid improved trade sentiment and rate cut expectations. 

Top Market Movers: Among top gainers on FTSE 100 index, Rolls Royce Holdings PLC (LSE: RR.) witnessed a rise of 2.14% followed by Imperial Brands PLC (LSE: IMB) which gained around 1.45%. 

Commodity Update: The dollar hovered near a four-year low against the euro on Monday amid optimism over U.S. trade deals, boosting expectations of early Fed rate cuts. Uncertainty rose as President Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Ottawa. Gold increased 0.07% to $3,289.90, silver slipped 0.38% to $35.90, and copper fell 0.22% to $9,855.30. Brent crude fell 0.97% to $67.11 as easing geopolitical risks weighed on prices. 

Our Stance: Global markets opened higher as Canada scrapped its digital services tax on U.S. tech firms, reviving trade talks with the U.S. and lifting tech stocks, pushing S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures to record highs. Optimism around rate cuts and AI also supported the rally. Meanwhile, Trump’s tax and spending bill advanced in the Senate despite projections of a $3.3 trillion debt impact, putting pressure on the dollar. Oil prices held steady as Middle East risks eased, though concerns over OPEC+ output and demand outlook persisted. Emerging market currencies strengthened against a weakening dollar ahead of the tariff deadline and Fed signals. 

FTSE 100 

The FTSE 100 is trading slightly lower, down 0.11% at 8,789.64, as it nears a key resistance zone while staying just below the 21-day Simple Moving Average—signaling mild short-term pressure. However, the index remains above its 50-day SMA, supporting the broader bullish trend. The RSI at 54.01 reflects moderate momentum, suggesting possible consolidation. With strong support at 8,600 holding firms, continued stability may attract fresh buying. Overall sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, guided by sector rotation and shifting macroeconomic indicators shaping investor positioning. 

FTSE 100 Technical Chart, Source - EODHD/Others