UK FTSE 100 ends flat amid Iran deadlock and weak data
The FTSE 100 ended flat as Iran peace talk hopes faded and UK factory orders fell. Utilities rose while Autotrader shares dropped on slower sales figures.
The X FTSE 100 1C ended May 21 nearly flat, rising 0.1% to 10,443.47 points as geopolitical tensions and weak domestic data weighed on sentiment. The index struggled to gain momentum after reports indicated a hardening stance from Iran regarding nuclear peace talks. Investors are reassessing risk as the combination of Middle East instability and contracting factory orders clouds the growth outlook.
### Geopolitical Deadlock Pressures Energy and Inflation Risk sentiment remained shaky after the supreme leader of Iran issued a directive to keep near-weapons-grade uranium within the country. This move directly opposes a primary United States demand at ongoing peace talks, according to Reuters.
