Key facts
- The FTSE 100 index steadied on Wednesday, rising 0.2% to 10,505.96.
- Brent Crude oil prices were at $83.60 a barrel.
- European natural gas futures increased by 3%.
- Vistry shares dropped 19% to 513.6p following a trading update and CEO change.
- BAE Systems and Glencore were among the FTSE 100 risers.
- BP and Shell shares fell about 1%.
The FTSE 100 index showed resilience on Wednesday, trading 0.2% higher at 10,505.96, despite rising oil and gas prices. Brent Crude was quoted at $83.60 a barrel, while European natural gas futures climbed an additional 3%. This stability followed a significant 2.8% slide in the index on Tuesday.
In corporate news, affordable housing provider Vistry saw its shares plummet by 19% to 513.6p. The company announced that chief executive Greg Fitzgerald is set to step down next year, alongside mixed guidance for 2026. Analyst Aarin Chiekrie noted that Vistry is using incentives, which is weighing on margins and likely to cause profit growth to trail revenue growth.
Engineering firm Weir also experienced a significant drop, falling 9% to 3106p after posting a 4% rise in pre-tax profits to £447 million and expecting further growth in 2026. Meanwhile, BAE Systems and Glencore were among the FTSE 100 risers, while BP and Shell shares declined by about 1%.
In other news, Metro Bank reported a return to profit for 2025, with pre-tax profits of £87.2 million, leading to a 6% rise in its shares. The Financial Conduct Authority is also considering changes to a proposed motor finance redress scheme, which could result in compensation for millions of mis-sold car loan customers.