FTSE 100 today: Stocks slip as US-Iran tensions overshadow Hormuz relief

UK stocks slipped as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and weaker-than-expected UK retail data dampened sentiment. The FTSE 100 fell 0.08% in early trading, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 also edged lower. The geopolitical focus was on reports that the U.S. used a decoy operation amid a “credible threat” from Iran, while Trump reiterated that the U.S. Navy controls the Strait of Hormuz. In commodities, Brent and WTI crude rose more than 2% on supply-risk concerns, while gold was little changed to slightly lower. Domestically, BRC-KPMG data showed UK retail sales growth slowing to 1.3% year-on-year in July from 2.5% a year earlier, reflecting soft consumer demand and stretched household budgets. Bellway warned of uncertain near-term demand and higher build costs, and IHG reported stronger Q2 RevPAR on affluent travel demand and the Soccer World Cup. Overall, the article points to a risk-off tone for UK equities, with energy prices firmer and consumer-facing stocks under pressure.