
UK Stocks Fall as U.S.-Iran Conflict Drives Oil Prices Higher
The FTSE 100 and other European indices declined as a third night of U.S. strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks pushed crude oil prices sharply higher, souring investor sentiment.

The FTSE 100 and other European indices declined as a third night of U.S. strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks pushed crude oil prices sharply higher, souring investor sentiment.

Shares of the energy major gained after its second-quarter trading update pointed to a significant increase in refining margins and a lower net debt position, outweighing a planned impairment charge.

Shares in Ericsson fell sharply after the telecommunications giant reported a significant drop in second-quarter revenue and free cash flow, and warned of future margin pressure.

Shares in the pan-European discount retailer hit a 52-week high after it launched a substantial share repurchase program at a premium, supported by a recent upgrade to its full-year financial guidance.

The emerging markets asset manager reported a significant beat on net inflows and a 7% rise in assets under management, but its shares fell in a classic 'sell the news' reaction amid broader market caution.

Shares in the recruitment firm tumbled after its second-quarter trading update revealed a 4% decline in net fee income, driven by weakness in its core specialist recruitment division.

The budget carrier's shares fell sharply after it reported a Q2 operating loss of NOK 603 million, missing forecasts due to unexpected legal costs, high fuel prices, and the timing of the Easter holiday.

Shares of UK-based semiconductor wafer firm IQE surged after it secured a multi-year, $14 million production order to supply a global tech client for artificial intelligence and data center applications.

Shares in Swedish property company Balder slid after its second-quarter profit from property management fell short of consensus estimates, driven by the deconsolidation of Norion Bank and signs of softening operational performance.