Source: Sharecast
The FTSE 100 was called to open around 40 points lower.
Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "The week kicked off with a jump in oil prices as the US got involved in Middle East tensions, bombing Iranian nuclear facilities with what they call ‘bunker busters’ - an attempt to destroy underground nuclear infrastructure using powerful bombs that only the US reportedly possesses, if I understand correctly.
"It’s yet unclear how much damage the US has done - Trump says they’ve caused ‘monumental’ damage. Now, the world is holding its breath to see how Iran will respond.
"The country said that ‘all options’ are on the table - including trade disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of global oil and gas flows transit. This could involve blocking the canal or attacking commercial ships, as the Houthis do. Another option could be striking nearby oil facilities - similar to the 2019 attack on Saudi Abqaiq that knocked out 7% of global oil supply."
In corporate news, the battle for Assura took a new twist after the healthcare property firm accepted an increased £1.79bn bid from Primary Health Properties only days after recommending a £1.7bn final offer from private equity outfits KKR & Stonepeak.
Based on the PHP closing share price of 103.5 pence on 20 June 2025, the increased offer is 0.3865 new PHP shares and 12.5p in cash.
Trading platform tech group Plus500 said it has expanded further into North America after getting the green light from regulators in Canada, lifting the number of its regulatory licences worldwide to 15.
The company said the licence, from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, is an "important milestone" and allows it to initiate its services within the over-the-counter market.
Elsewhere, instrumentation company Spectris said it has agreed to be taken over by private equity investor Advent in a £4.4bn deal.