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The FTSE 100 opened on a positive note on September 8, 2025, lifted by strength in oil, defence, and retail names, even as investors weighed mixed corporate updates and global economic concerns. Early trade saw the blue-chip index edge up 15.12 points to 9223.25, supported by energy majors and resilient consumer stocks.
Marks & Spencer led the day’s gains, climbing £7.2 to £349.4 after Citigroup upgraded its rating to Buy with a target price of £440. The upgrade reflects confidence in the retailer’s turnaround momentum and its ability to sustain profit growth despite a challenging consumer backdrop.
Oil giants BP and Shell added further strength to the index after Brent Crude rose 1.5% to $66.51 per barrel. BP advanced £6.85 to £422.5, while Shell rose £34 to £2661.5, benefiting from firmer commodity prices.
In the defence sector, Rolls-Royce gained £13 to £1088.5, while BAE Systems rose £15 to £1792, providing additional support to the FTSE 100.
On the downside, Phoenix Group fell 4% to £640.5 after releasing half-year results. Despite reporting a 25% jump in operating profit to £451 million and a dividend increase to £27.35 per share, shares slid as investors focused on longer-term funding challenges.
The company also announced plans to rebrand under its historic Standard Life name from March 2026.
Unilever dipped £68 to £4701 and AstraZeneca shed £104 to £11,986, both weighing modestly on the index.
FTSE 250-listed Vistry Group launched Hestia, a new joint venture with Homes England to accelerate large-scale residential development.
Supported by £150 million in capital, the joint venture will target sites ranging from 400 and 3,000 homes, focusing on new infrastructure and combined tenure. The venture will also release parcels of land to smaller developers, widening housing supply opportunities.
Global cues also contributed to early optimism. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up 1.45%, underpinned by stronger-than-expected GDP growth of 0.5% in Q2, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation spurring speculation about pro-growth policies.
Meanwhile, US markets ended last week lower after weak job data reignited concerns over the American economy, though expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut remain intact.
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Beauty Tech Group, the owner of several at-home self-care brands, confirmed its intention to list on the London Stock Exchange. The company reported £101.1 million in revenue last year and said the IPO will provide fresh capital for expansion and staff incentives.
