London’s FTSE 100 nudged higher on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, even as US markets moved in the opposite direction, according to Proactive Investors. The blue-chip index gained ground during the session, supported by strength in mining shares.
Proactive Investors reported that the divergence between London and New York came as traders positioned themselves ahead of several key events. Investors were focused on upcoming US inflation data and the release of Nvidia’s quarterly earnings, both of which could influence market direction in the near term.
Reuters noted that miners were a key support for the FTSE 100, helping offset broader caution. The sector’s gains came as investors weighed the outlook for global demand and commodity prices. Meanwhile, City AM reported that Antofagasta led the rally among blue chips, while oil prices fell on reports that a US-Iran deal was “close.”
Earlier in the day, London South East had predicted a modestly higher open, citing the same catalysts: US inflation figures and Nvidia’s results. The Belfast Telegraph also flagged that the FTSE 100 had drifted lower in prior sessions as attention turned to the chipmaker’s numbers.
The mixed session reflects a market in wait-and-see mode, with traders reluctant to make big bets before fresh data points land. The FTSE 100’s modest advance suggests some optimism, but the gap between London and Wall Street highlights how different factors are driving each market.
What to watch next: the US inflation print and Nvidia’s earnings, which could set the tone for global equities in the coming days.
