UK markets opened on a flat note on August 11, 2026, with the FTSE 100 barely moving, up just 0.001 per cent to 10,862.85 at the start of trading.
European markets echoed the cautious tone, with the Euronext 100 also effectively flat at 1,972.91 and Germany’s DAX edging marginally higher by 0.01 per cent to 26,327.10.
Renewed US-Iran tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz kept energy risks firmly in focus for investors across European trading floors.
Softer UK retail sales added further domestic pressure, contributing to the subdued mood at the open across London markets.
Overnight in the United States, both major indices retreated, with the Nasdaq closing lower at 26,605.36 and the S&P 500 declining to 7,753.11.
Investors on Wall Street were looking ahead to upcoming US inflation data while also reassessing elevated valuations across the technology sector.
Housebuilder Bellway (LSE:BWY) reported a 10.8 per cent increase in housing completions to 9,695 homes, beating its previously guided range of 9,300 to 9,500 units for the year to July 31, 2026.
Housing revenue rose to £3.14 billion and net cash strengthened to £157.7 million, with stronger cash generation continuing to support the company’s ongoing share buyback programme.
Despite the positive volume and cash performance, Bellway flagged caution over subdued demand and challenging housing market conditions weighing on the forward outlook.
Driver and occupant monitoring technology group Seeing Machines (LSE:SEE) reported adjusted revenue growth of 45 per cent, with automotive production volumes rising sharply across the period.
Royalty revenue more than doubled for Seeing Machines, with the improved revenue mix helping the company achieve a profitable second half and move closer to full-year breakeven.
Growing automotive adoption and European regulatory requirements around driver monitoring systems continued to underpin the strong operational momentum at Seeing Machines.
Commodity markets softened at the open, with copper, gold, Brent crude and natural gas all declining from their previous closing levels.
Oil nevertheless remained supported by fading hopes of a US-Iran agreement and persistent concerns over crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping energy markets on edge.
Bitcoin rose against sterling to £47,442.65, while currency moves were limited, with the US dollar edging to $1.3511 and the euro to €1.1702 against the pound.
