The UK stock market's benchmark index FTSE 100 was down in negative territory a little past noon on Wednesday, as stocks fell amid concerns about tensions in the Middle East following fresh strikes by Iran and retaliatory action by the U.S. in the Gulf region.
Brent crude prices climbed to about $99 a barrel, rising 3%, on concerns about supply disruptions, raising fears of inflation and interest rate hikes.
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Market Analysis
May 22, 2026 14:46 ET Minutes of the latest Fed policy session was the highlight of the week along with survey data on the U.S. housing market. In Europe, survey data signaled the trends in the euro area private sector. Further, consumer price inflation data from the U.K. was in focus. In Asia, various economic indicators from China drew attention to the health of the economy.