16.03.202608:38:14UTC+00FTSE 100 Attempts Gains to Start Week

The FTSE 100 rose 0.3% on Monday, attempting to rebound after three consecutive sessions of losses, helped by comments from President Trump that eased some market nerves. Trump said the US is in talks with Iran and stepped up pressure on other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which appeared to partially offset broader market uncertainty.

On a recent call with G7 leaders, Trump was repeatedly pressed on his strategy toward the Iran conflict but refused to give specifics, saying he had several options and wanted the confrontation to end soon.

Energy stocks led the advance, with BP up 1.7% and Shell gaining 1.3%, as Brent crude remained elevated just below $105 per barrel. Other index heavyweights, including HSBC, Unilever, Rolls-Royce and BAT, added more than 0.5%.

Travel and leisure stocks underperformed, with IAG and InterContinental Hotels each down about 1.5%. Miners also weakened, as Fresnillo fell 1.3% and Antofagasta slipped 1%, tracking a fourth straight session of declines in gold and copper prices.