The UK stock market's benchmark index FTSE 100, which climbed into positive territory after a weak start, slipped below the flat line a few minutes before noon on Thursday.
Brent crude climbed to $107.11, gaining about 2% and stoking inflation fears amid escalating US-Iran tensions. President Donald Trump, who said negotiations were in the "final stages," threatened renewed attacks if Iran rejected his terms.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
May 15, 2026 15:25 ET Apart from the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, the main news on the economics front this week included key price data from the U.S. and the first quarter economic growth figures from major economies. Both consumer prices and producer costs have started to reflect the effect of supply shocks due to the Middle East conflict. In Europe, GDP data was in focus, while inflation data from China dominated the news flow in Asia.