The FTSE 100 opened broadly unchanged at 10,756.77 on 3 September 2026, with gains in precious-metal shares helping to offset persistent concerns over the Iran conflict.
Gulf shipping disruptions and ongoing Middle East tensions continued to weigh on sentiment, though indications that renewed US action against Iran may be relatively brief helped ease some pressure.
European markets stabilised after recent weakness, with Germany’s DAX rising 0.12 per cent to 25,870.31 and the Euronext 100 slipping marginally by 0.02 per cent to 1,904.68.
US markets closed positively in the previous session, with the Nasdaq finishing at 26,217.83 and the S&P 500 gaining to reach 7,666.60.
Softer US labour data also helped ease some interest-rate concerns among investors across both European and American markets.
In commodity markets, Brent crude moved lower as Middle East supply disruption fears eased, while copper climbed and gold and natural gas remained broadly unchanged.
Transport technology provider Journeo (LSE: JNEO) announced that its subsidiary Infotec has secured initial purchase orders worth £1.3 million for passenger information system upgrades across the Elizabeth line.
The orders represent the first part of a wider £2.55 million programme and cover new and upgraded displays across 25 stations on the busy London rail route.
Leisure travel group Jet2 (LSE: JET2) reported Summer 2026 booked passengers up 8.8 per cent year on year, with seat capacity increasing 7.6 per cent to 19.9 million.
The company also announced plans to move its shares from AIM to the London Stock Exchange Main Market, a move it expects will increase visibility among UK and international institutional investors.
On currency markets, the US dollar, euro and Japanese yen each strengthened marginally against the pound, while the Swiss franc held steady and the Australian dollar weakened slightly.
Bitcoin rose against sterling, trading at £57,732.02, as broader risk appetite remained cautiously positive despite the geopolitical backdrop continuing to create some uncertainty across global markets.