FTSE 100 Rises Amid Easing Fed Rate Hike Expectations

By EC Assets · Published 17 August 2026

London's FTSE 100 index experienced a rise today. This movement occurred as soft U.S. retail data contributed to a reduction in bets on Federal Reserve interest rate increases. European shares also ticked higher as easing Fed hike bets lifted gold. The dollar slipped as markets pared Fed rate risks. London's FTSE 100 hit an intraday record high for the third consecutive session on Friday. The index was set to register its biggest monthly rise since February. This performance was supported by earnings and energy sector contributions. U.S. stock, index futures were little changed on Sunday. Investors awaited hints from the Federal Reserve regarding the outlook for interest rates. Market participants are considering the Fed's next move. This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.