London pre-open: Stocks to fall ahead of US-Iran talks; UK PMI due
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Wednesday 01 Jul 2026
(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to fall at the open on Wednesday as investors eyed expected peace talks between the US and Iran in Doha and the latest reading on the UK manufacturing sector.
The FTSE 100 was called to open around 25 points lower.
Rabobank said: "Talks about the US-Iran MoU in Doha, without either side speaking to the other, went well according to the US, who are staying on for what could be indirect talks today. However, the Wall Street Journal reports Iran is split, with political leadership focused on getting assets unfrozen and the IRGC on keeping Hormuz more frozen.
"Tehran has now rejected third-party offers to help demine the water way; they are in no hurry to see things return to normal as this removes their energy leverage. Iran is also opposed to allowing the southern passage via Oman, which the US favours, to become established - and there are still reports Oman wants to charge for access to this channel."
On home shores, industry data showed that house prices were flat in June on the back of cautious consumer sentiment.
According to the latest Nationwide house price index, prices rose 2.2% on an annual basis but were broadly unchanged month-on-month, following a 0.6% decline a month earlier.
Still to come, the S&P Global UK manufacturing PMI for June is out at 0930 BST.
In corporate news, Associated British Foods said that Primark's third-quarter like-for-like sales fell 2.2% as the Iran war and unseasonal UK spring weather hit consumer sentiment.
The diversified group held annual guidance despite an expected £25m-60m loss at its sugar business.
CMC Markets lifted its full-year guidance for net operating income as it hailed continued strong momentum, driven by "exponential and exceptional" growth in its B2B business.
The company now expects FY27 net operating income of at least £550m, up from previous guidance of £460m to £480m, with EBITDA guidance of £250m.
Software and security firm Bytes Technology said that Gavin Rochussen has been appointed as an independent non‑executive director and chair‑designate, with effect from 10 July.
Rochussen will succeed Patrick De Smedt, who plans to step down as chair by 30 September after leading the board since Bytes Technology's 2020 listing.
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