2026.04.0116:10:19UTC+00FTSE Climbs for 3rd Session

The FTSE 100 climbed 1.7% on Wednesday to reach a two-week high, buoyed by growing optimism over a possible de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. This marks the benchmark’s longest winning streak since the conflict began in late February, with the index advancing for a third consecutive session. Market sentiment improved after President Donald Trump said he expects the confrontation with Iran could be resolved within two to three weeks. Nonetheless, uncertainty persists around the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing disruptions continue to weigh on global oil supplies, even as Brent crude has retreated below $100 per barrel. Financial and travel stocks led the gains, while oil majors BP and Shell dragged on the index. In corporate news, Babcock secured a six-month contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, and Berkeley reaffirmed its guidance while signalling a more cautious stance on land purchases.