London’s FTSE 100 index fell early Thursday, retreating 0.4% by 07:19 GMT, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the Bank of England’s rate decision.
With interest rates expected to remain unchanged, markets are focusing on the central bank’s guidance amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. The British pound also slipped 0.2%, trading slightly above $1.34 against the dollar.
Broader European indices mirrored the downward move:
- Germany’s DAX dropped 0.7%
- France’s CAC 40 fell 0.6%
Meanwhile, rising geopolitical risks—particularly U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict—have added to investor unease. Reports from Bloomberg suggest that senior U.S. officials are preparing for a potential strike on Iran, possibly as early as this weekend.
Vodafone, Frasers, Whitbread Make Headlines
Several major U.K.-listed companies released significant updates Thursday, drawing investor attention despite broader market weakness.
Vodafone Names New CFO
Vodafone Group (LON:VOD) appointed Pilar López, a senior Microsoft executive, as its next Chief Financial Officer, effective October 1, 2025. López will replace Luka Mucic, whose departure was previously announced.
Frasers Group Exits Revolution Beauty Talks
Frasers Group (LON:FRAS) confirmed it will no longer pursue a takeover of Revolution Beauty (LON:REVBL).
- Revolution Beauty shares fell over 21%
- Frasers stock declined 1.5%
Whitbread’s Mixed Q1
Whitbread PLC (LON:WTB) reported Q1 softness in the U.K., with Premier Inn accommodation revenue down 2% and like-for-like sales falling 3%. However, its German division posted strong growth, partially offsetting domestic weakness.
Management cited economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions as factors limiting future visibility.
XPS, Hays, Lilly Round Out Market Updates
Several mid-cap names also released notable results or guidance:
- XPS Pensions Group (LON:XPS) delivered robust full-year results:
- Revenue up 18% to £231.8 million
- Adjusted EBITDA rose 27% to £69.7 million
- EBITDA margin improved by 2.2 percentage points to 30.1%
- Hays Plc (LON:HAYS) forecast £45 million in operating profit for fiscal 2025, citing weakness in global recruitment markets and low client activity through Q4.
- Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) announced it will appeal the U.K.’s rejection of reimbursement for Kisunla, its Alzheimer’s treatment, following a negative decision by the national health agency.
As rate policy and geopolitical risk converge, market participants will continue to monitor central bank signals and global tensions closely.
