Investing.com — British stocks traded lower on Tuesday, as investor sentiment was pulled between diplomatic optimism around a possible second round of US-Iran peace talks and continued geopolitical uncertainty ahead of a ceasefire deadline.
The blue-chip declined 1.1%, while Germany’s fell 0.9% and France’s fell 1.1%. Sterling softened, with down 0.2% at 1.3511.
Investor sentiment found some partial support from reports that US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad for a second round of nuclear talks with Iran, though Tehran has yet to confirm attendance and its parliament speaker said negotiations were “unacceptable under the shadow of threats.”
The fragile ceasefire, due to expire on Wednesday, remains on a knife-edge, with President Donald Trump saying he does not wish to extend it.
Oil prices edged lower, with down, as markets weighed the uncertain diplomatic outlook against reports that Gulf producers have been rerouting exports via alternative terminals, easing some immediate supply concerns.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with roughly 20,000 seafarers and 2,000 ships stranded in the waterway since the conflict began on 28 February. The IEA’s chief described the ongoing energy crisis as the “biggest in history.”
UK round up
raised its FY2027 EPS guidance to at least 30.5p after strong office leasing demand, particularly from AI-led occupiers, drove solid rental growth across its London campuses. The group reported higher FY2026 profit and rental growth ahead of guidance, with occupancy near capacity and portfolio values and ERV continuing to rise.
posted record Q1 revenue, driven by growth across mining, drilling, and laboratory segments, while maintaining full-year guidance. Despite slightly lower rig utilisation, contract wins and expanding lab capacity supported strong operational momentum amid manageable geopolitical risks.
plans to demerge its Primark retail arm from its food business, with both entities to be separately listed in London. The move follows a strategic review, as the group also reported a decline in interim pretax profit year-on-year.
Crest Nicholson Holdings Plc (LON:CRST) slashed its FY earnings outlook to £5-15 million from a £43.7 million consensus and warned of a potential covenant relaxation, sending shares sharply lower.
The downgrade reflects weaker macro conditions, softer demand and higher-for-longer rates, with completions, land sales and profit expectations all revised down as the firm prioritises cash and balance sheet strength.