FTSE 100 Live: Index Falls Sharply as Trade Tensions, Wage Data and Risk-Off Mood Pressure UK Stocks

The FTSE 100 extended its losses on Tuesday as global trade tensions, soft domestic wage data, and a broad risk-off move across global markets weighed on investor sentiment. The index declined 0.8% or 81 points to 10,112.94, while the more domestically focused FTSE 250 dropped 0.6% to 22,984, amid concerns over economic growth and interest rate policy.

Index Movers: Gold Strength Supports Miners, Cyclicals Slide

Endeavour Mining rose 1.47% to £4,156, lifted by a continued rally in bullion prices. Spot gold surged to a fresh all-time high above $4,700 per ounce, reinforcing demand for precious metal stocks.

Informa gained 1.28% to £883.60, while Severn Trent gained 1.01% to £2,903 and EasyJet advanced 0.87% to £487.90.

Metlen Energy & Metals Gained 0.36% to £42.60.

On the downside, AstraZeneca fell 1.54% to £13,676, while London Stock Exchange Group fell 1.85% to £8,914.

Industrial and growth-linked names were also under pressure, with Ashtead Group down 2% to £5,008 and Spirax Group falling 1.92% to £6,915.

Games Workshop declined 0.61% to £17,960.

Wise Eyes Increased Profit Target

UK fintech Wise’s cross-border volume surged 26% to £47.4 billion in its latest quarter as its active users swelled 20% YoY to 11 million. 

The firm’s income hit £424.4 million, a 21% jump, which helped place expectations for full-year growth in the middle of its 15 to 20% target range. 

Wise expects full-year profit before tax to come in at the top end of its 13 to 16% target.

Wage Data Dampens Rate Cut Hopes

The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1%, while wage growth showed only a modest slowdown. 

Average earnings, which also consist of bonuses, went down to 4.7%, while compensation in the private sector grew by 3.6%, still above the disinflationary levels. 

Economists pointed out that the strength of wage growth decreases the chances of the Bank of England cutting rates at its meeting in February.

The attention is now on the upcoming UK inflation data, which could affect the policy outlook if price pressures ease faster than expected.

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Global Market View

The geopolitical risk remains high after the US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European imports, such as wine and champagne from France, raising fears of retaliatory measures and a broader trade conflict.

At the same time, Brent crude was around $64 a barrel, supporting energy stocks.

The sell-off came as futures signalled a weak start for US markets, with major Wall Street indices expected to open more than 1% lower. 

Earlier in the session, France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX had already closed 1.8% and 1.3% lower, respectively, reflecting rising anxiety over escalating US-Europe trade disputes.