FTSE 100 Seen Lower Ahead of UK GDP Data

Tensions in the Middle East and economic data releases weigh on London stocks

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:53am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of heavy, industrial banking equipment and infrastructure, conveying a sense of financial security and the tangible mechanics of the banking system.As tensions in the Middle East and economic uncertainty weigh on global markets, the FTSE 100 faces a challenging trading environment.San Francisco Today

Stocks in London are set to open lower on Thursday as tensions in the Middle East persist and investors await key UK economic data. Futures indicate the FTSE 100 will open down 0.1% at 10,550.68, following a 0.5% decline on Wednesday. The US has tightened sanctions on Iran's oil industry as Tehran continues to enforce its closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict in the region.

Why it matters

The tensions in the Middle East and the uncertainty around the region's oil supply are weighing on global markets, including the FTSE 100. Investors are also cautious ahead of the release of UK GDP data, which could provide insights into the health of the British economy.

The details

The latest US sanctions target oil transport infrastructure, with penalties imposed on more than two dozen individuals, companies and vessels linked to Iranian shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. At the same time, Washington said it is discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and expressed optimism about reaching a deal, even as Tehran threatened to shut down Red Sea trade unless the US lifts its naval blockade.

  • The FTSE 100 closed down 0.5% at 10,559.58 on Wednesday.
  • Brent oil was trading at USD94.93 a barrel early Thursday, lower than USD95.40 late Wednesday.
  • UK gross domestic product is expected to rise 0.1% month-on-month in February after being flat in January, while industrial output is forecast to increase 0.3% on-month, following a 0.1% decline in January.

The players

Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani

An Iranian shipping magnate who has been targeted by new US sanctions.

Ali Shamkhani

A senior Iranian security official and adviser to the country's supreme leader, who was killed on February 28 at the start of US-Israeli strikes.

Donald Trump

The former US president who signaled that talks with Iran could resume this week.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who said further negotiations with Iran would "very likely" take place in Islamabad.

Scott Bessent

The US Treasury Secretary who said Washington does not plan to extend a temporary waiver that allowed the sale of Russian oil already at sea.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Those discussions are being had and we feel good about the prospects of a deal.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The UK will release its GDP, trade balance, industrial production and manufacturing production data on Thursday, which could provide further insights into the state of the British economy.

The takeaway

The FTSE 100 is facing headwinds from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the anticipation of key economic data releases, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty and volatility in global markets.