Investing.com — British stocks rose on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump was reported to be open to ending the Iran conflict without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while the pound strengthened, European markets were mixed, and data showed the UK economy grew 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2025.
As of 07:25 GMT, the blue-chip index rose 0.2% and the British gained 0.1% against the dollar to 1.3202. Germany’s index rose 0.1%, while France’s fell 0.2%.
Trump has indicated to senior officials that he is open to wrapping up military operations against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked, the Wall Street Journal reported late Monday.
According to the report, Trump and his team concluded that efforts to fully reopen the key shipping route would likely extend the conflict well beyond his preferred four-to-six-week timeframe. Officials said the administration is now leaning toward scaling back hostilities after meeting core objectives, including weakening Iran’s naval capabilities and reducing its missile inventory.
UK round up
The UK economy expanded by 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to final GDP figures released Tuesday, matching the initial estimate. The breakdown showed public sector activity increased while private sector activity declined during the period. Consumer spending rose by just 0.1% quarter-on-quarter, revised down from a previous estimate of 0.2%. Business investment fell by 2.5% quarter-on-quarter, compared to a prior reading of negative 2.7%. Net trade subtracted 0.5 percentage points from GDP growth. Due to rounding adjustments, GDP growth for 2025 as a whole was revised up from 1.3% to 1.4%.
Raspberry Pi Holdings PLC (LON:) posted a 25% rise in full-year adjusted EBITDA as demand held firm despite sharp price increases driven by surging memory costs, prompting Jefferies to raise its 2026 revenue forecast by 42%. The Cambridge-based single-board computer maker reported adjusted EBITDA of $46.4 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, up from $37.2 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 25% to $323.2 million from $259.5 million.
A.G.Barr PLC (LON:) reported adjusted pretax profit of £65.8 million for the year ended Jan. 31, up 12.5% from a year earlier and ahead of the £65.4 million analysts had forecast, according to LSEG data. Revenue rose 4% to £437.3 million, with adjusted earnings per share coming in at 44.24 pence. The maker of Scottish soft drink Irn-Bru said its push into energy and health drinks helped offset a modest rise in costs linked to the Middle East conflict.
Severfield PLC (LON:) said pre-tax profit for the fiscal year ending March 2026 is expected to align with market expectations of £10.2 million. The UK structural steel fabrication company also reported net debt of approximately £28 million, below the company-compiled consensus of £48.5 million, attributed to strong cash management.
Future PLC (LON:) cut its full-year guidance by 15% to 20% as the company struggles with a shift away from Google-derived audience traffic. The Bath-based media company said direct advertising revenue is expected to deliver year-over-year growth, while revenue declines at Go.Compare and its B2B division moderated in the first half, with growth expected in the second half.
Hilton Food Group Plc (LON:) released its full-year results for fiscal 2025 on Tuesday, reporting adjusted profit before tax of £73 million, in line with previous guidance. The company reiterated its fiscal 2026 adjusted PBT guidance range of £60-65 million. The food packaging specialist announced a strategic review aimed at strengthening its core red meat business while seeking efficiency and margin improvements.
3I Infrastructure PLC (LON:) released a performance update for the period from Oct. 1, 2025, to March 30, 2026, indicating the company is on track to meet its return target for the full year. The portfolio is expected to deliver an 8-10% return, with FLAG performing strongly during the period as demand for subsea connectivity remains supported by AI workloads.