Global Markets Ease as FTSE 100 Slips and Airlines Complete Key Safety Updates

Sterling softens, European equities dip, and major UK corporate updates shape early-week trading

Global markets opened the week on a cautious note, with the FTSE 100 edging lower, the pound weakening against the dollar and several major UK-listed companies reporting significant operational and regulatory developments. A mix of aviation updates, political scrutiny, infrastructure setbacks and corporate earnings shaped the early news cycle.

FTSE 100 Opens Lower as the Pound Retreats

The UK’s blue-chip index fell 0.1% at 08:17 GMT, while the pound dipped to $1.32, down 0.07%.
Across Europe, sentiment was similarly subdued:

• Germany’s DAX fell 0.4%
• France’s CAC 40 also slipped 0.4%

The cautious tone reflects continued uncertainty ahead of the Budget, mixed global data and lingering geopolitical pressures.

Aviation Sector: EasyJet and Wizz Air Complete Safety Software Updates

The aviation industry saw positive operational progress as both EasyJet and Wizz Air confirmed compliance with mandatory software updates on their Airbus A320-family aircraft.

EasyJet

• Completed updates over the weekend with no disruption to flights.
• Financial guidance unchanged from the FY2025 results on 25 November.

Wizz Air

• Updated the ELAC flight-control software on 83 operational aircraft following a European Aviation Safety Agency directive.
• Compliance was completed within days of the announcement.

These swift updates demonstrate the sector’s improved efficiency in responding to safety mandates.

Political Spotlight: Reeves Rejects Claims of Misleading the Public

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves denied accusations that she misled voters in the run-up to the Autumn Statement.
Questions arose over a speech she delivered on 4 November, in which she called for public support for Labour’s economic plans but did not repeat the party’s previous commitment against broad-based tax rises.
The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny over fiscal policy.

Plus500 Selected as Clearing Partner for FanDuel Prediction Markets

Plus500 has been chosen as the clearing partner for CME Group and FanDuel’s new event-based contracts platform.
The fintech group will provide brokerage execution and clearing services for the venture, which enhances its presence in regulated derivatives markets.
The arrangement is expected to improve liquidity and broaden participation within the event-based trading ecosystem.

Corporate Moves: Tullow Oil and Peel Hunt Report Major Developments

Tullow Oil

• Appointed Roald Goethe as independent non-executive Chair.
• Goethe brings deep experience in African oil markets, having previously served in senior roles at Trafigura and Delaney Petroleum.

Peel Hunt

• Reported a 38.3% rise in revenue to £74.4m for the six months to 30 September.
• Profit before tax surged 858% to £11.5m.
• M&A advisory fees represented 70% of investment banking deal revenues.
• Acted on 10 transactions with a combined value of £8.1bn, ranking third in UK public M&A league tables.

Infrastructure and Energy: TRIG–HICL Merger Called Off

The proposed combination between The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) and HICL Infrastructure has been abandoned.
TRIG Chair Richard Morse expressed disappointment, noting the merger would have created the UK's largest listed infrastructure investment vehicle.
Investors will now reassess long-term efficiency and scale opportunities within the renewable energy investments sector.

Asset Management and Agriculture: Mixed Results

Impax Asset Management

• Assets under management fell to £26.1bn, down from £37.2bn.
• Net outflows reached £13bn as sustainable funds faced global pressure.

Wynnstay Group

• Expects results modestly ahead of forecasts, with adjusted pre-tax profit set to reach £9m.

International: UK MP Tulip Siddiq Sentenced in Absentia

A Bangladesh court sentenced British MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison for corruption linked to the alleged illegal allocation of land.
Her aunt, former PM Sheikh Hasina, received a five-year sentence, while Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana, was given seven years.
The political fallout is likely to influence relations and diplomatic dialogue.

Sources: (Investing.com, Reuters.com)