The FTSE 100 (^FTSE), and European indices were higher on Friday by the closing bell, while US markets traded unevenly as Western powers moved to decide how they will involve themselves in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Tensions in the Middle East remain high, with markets in the US on edge over a potential decision by president Donald Trump. The White House press secretary relayed a message from the president that a decision would come within two weeks.
Meanwhile, leaders from the UK and EU met with Iranian officials at around 3pm London time. UK foreign secretary David Lammy travelled to Geneva for a meeting with his French and German counterparts, as well as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.
The meeting is Iran's first face-to-face talks with the West since the conflict began last week.
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Danni Hewson, AJ Bell head of financial analysis, said:
US stock futures edged lower Friday as investors weighed the possibility of direct US military involvement in the Israel-Iran war. President Trump on Thursday introduced a self-imposed two week time limit on his decision to enter the conflict, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already cautious market.
Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) were down over 150 points, or 0.4%, while S&P 500 futures slid 0.2% (ES=F) and Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) futures dipped 0.1%. Markets were closed Thursday in observance of Juneteenth, offering investors a brief pause as global headlines grew more volatile.
Hello from London. Lucy Harley-McKeown here. Gearing up to bring you the latest business and markets news.
This morning we've already had UK retail sales data. We're also keeping an eye on the UK consumer confidence barometer from GfK.
Elsewhere, the Iran-Israel conflict continues.
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