FTSE 100 EXPECTED TO FALL AS MARKET DIGESTS MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS

The FTSE 100 is expected to open lower on Monday, with futures indicating a loss of 19 points or 0.18 per cent. The decline follows a week marked by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with the two countries exchanging military actions.

Oil prices have fallen amid reports that the US is pausing planned strikes on Iran to pursue talks over the Strait of Hormuz. One market commentary noted that stock futures are rising as oil eases on the reported de-escalation.