---
title: "FTSE 100: Stocks lower as Middle East tensions dims surprise UK retail recovery"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/283950576.md"
description: "British stocks opened lower on Friday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.5% amid elevated oil prices and ongoing Middle East tensions. Despite stronger-than-expected retail sales data, investor sentiment remained cautious due to U.S. President Trump's comments on the Iran conflict, suggesting a prolonged standoff. Oil prices are near recent highs due to concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen reduced traffic. UK retail sales rose 0.7% in March, exceeding expectations, but core sales growth was mixed."
datetime: "2026-04-24T07:18:40.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/283950576.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/283950576.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/283950576.md)
---

# FTSE 100: Stocks lower as Middle East tensions dims surprise UK retail recovery

Investing.com - British stocks opened lower on Friday as elevated oil prices and persistent tensions in the Middle East weighed on sentiment, although stronger-than-expected retail data offered some support.  
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Track the latest on UK stocks on InvestingPro  
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At 03:18 ET (07:18 GMT), Britain’s blue-chip index fell 0.5%, while sterling slipped 0.04% against the dollar to 1.3468. Germany’s DAX was down 0.14%, while France’s CAC 40 fell 0.7%  
Investor sentiment remained cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump signalled no urgency to end the conflict with Iran, reinforcing expectations of a prolonged standoff.  
He said Iran’s military and economic position had been significantly weakened and reiterated that the United States would maintain strict control over the Strait of Hormuz until a deal is reached, while leaving the door open for further military action. The stance has heightened concerns over sustained disruption to global energy supplies.  
Oil prices held near recent highs after a sharp weekly rally, as concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persisted.  
The Strait, which previously accounted for about a fifth of global oil supply, has seen reduced traffic amid ongoing military activity and enforcement measures, raising concerns over sustained energy price pressures.  
UK round up  
UK retail sales rose 0.7% in March, beating expectations for a modest increase, data from the Office for National Statistics showed.  
On an annual basis, sales grew 1.7%, while underlying demand remained mixed as core sales excluding fuel rose modestly and missed yearly forecasts.

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