FTSE indexes drop as Middle East conflict weighs on sentiment
The FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 fell on Monday as investors weighed economic damage from the Middle East conflict against a 10% jump in EasyJet shares following a potential takeover bid from Castlelake. British manufacturers reported the fastest price increases since 2022 due to rising costs and supply chain disruptions.
The United Kingdom blue-chip index fell 0.68% on Monday as Middle East supply chain disruptions offset a surge in takeover activity. The midcap FTSE 250 also dropped 0.77%, marking a second month of gains in a row on Friday. Investors are reassessing risk as regional conflict threatens global energy flows and domestic manufacturing costs.
### M&A Activity Lifts Aviation and Renewables EasyJet PLC shares jumped 10% after United States investment firm Castlelake said it is considering a takeover bid for the budget carrier. EasyJet became a top gainer in the FTSE 250 following the announcement.
