UK Stocks Mostly Subdued In Cautious Trade

U.K. stocks traded mixed and largely subdued on April 22, 2026, as investors stayed cautious amid renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and fresh U.K. inflation data. The FTSE 100 oscillated—falling to 10,476.79 after earlier gains to 10,523.30 and sitting near 10,499.77 midday—reflecting limited directional conviction. Sector moves were scattered: Bunzl jumped over 3% after in-line Q1 trading and reiterated its 2026 outlook, while Reckitt Benckiser plunged 4.7% after year-on-year revenue decline. Several miners, utilities and consumer names posted 1%-2% moves. The Office for National Statistics reported U.K. CPI rose to 3.3% year-on-year in March (from 3.0% in February), a factor adding to investor caution. Geopolitical uncertainty around U.S.-Iran talks and the Strait of Hormuz also weighed on trading sentiment, keeping activity restrained and leading to a mixed market tone.