FTSE Flat as Iran Tensions and Inflation Loom
The FTSE 100 is poised for a flat start to the week, according to FTSE 100 futures. The blue-chip index closed last Friday at 10,831.09 and is expected to open around the same level on Monday.
US jobs data released on Friday surprised investors with an addition of 162,000 jobs in August, exceeding expectations of 56,000 new hires. While this has kept alive the possibility of a September interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, attention is shifting towards Friday's US inflation report, which could be more decisive for monetary policy.
Commerzbank analyst Thu Lan Nguyen said that the employment figures neither prevented nor made a rate increase significantly more likely, citing August inflation figures as the crucial determinant. Oil prices are rising, with Brent crude climbing to $96.28 per barrel due to increased tensions between the US and Iran.