UK stocks: Factors to watch on October 9
EWU•FTSE 100 futures were up 0.9% ahead of Friday’s open. BP shut production at two platforms because of Hurricane Isaias, while Shell partially restarted its Pearl plant and gold rose more than 1%.
1. Company updates
BP said it removed all personnel from its Na Kika and Thunder Horse platforms and shut production at both because of Hurricane Isaias. Shell said it had partially restarted its Pearl gas-to-liquids plant in Qatar. MMG accused EU antitrust regulators of ignoring evidence about its bid for Anglo American’s Brazilian nickel business, while unions said the full impact of a strike at Antofagasta’s Centinela copper mine is expected in November. Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky said the digital bank would favor a primary U.S. listing if it pursues an IPO in the future.
2. Market factors
Oil prices fell after U.S. President Donald Trump said the country would not attack Iran before next month’s U.S. elections. Gold rose more than 1%, supported by a softer U.S. dollar, easing Treasury yields and lower oil prices. London copper rose as mine disruptions and strong demand in China supported prices. London stocks slipped on Thursday as higher oil prices and a global bond rout renewed inflation worries, though energy shares limited the declines.
