FTSE 100 Live: London sees quiet trading day amid pause in Fed-driven global rally

The latest updates on the FTSE 100 and London’s financial markets from City A.M.’s newsroom in the heart of the City of London.

Wall Street stocks recorded minor losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipping slightly to 39,282.33 points.  

Asian markets displayed mixed trading, with indices like Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edging up, while South Korea’s Kospi Composite saw a decline. 

Trump Media & Technology debuted strongly, gaining 16.1 per cent, while McCormick led S&P 500 with a 10.52 per cent increase. Conversely, United Parcel Service dropped 8.16 per cent after its 2026 forecast. 

Oil prices fell again due to a rise in US crude stockpiles, affecting Brent crude futures and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures. 

Industrial profits in China surged, particularly among foreign-owned and private enterprises, with a 10.2 per cent increase for January-February. 

UK businesses adapted hiring and wage plans, likely influenced by April’s minimum wage hike, as revealed by the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer. 

With fewer economic events due to holidays, all eyes are on the US and UK GDP numbers and consumer sentiment reports.  

Investors are especially interested in Friday’s release of the US personal consumption expenditures price index, which helps understand inflation trends.  

Also, remember that UK markets will be closed on March 29th for Good Friday and on April 1st for Easter Monday.