FTSE 100 hits lowest level since mid-May as banks sag
The FTSE 100 index closed 1.4% lower at 10,227.33 points as heavyweight lenders HSBC and Standard Chartered faced significant losses. Energy stocks also retreated following a 3% drop in crude oil prices while investors monitored geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
The United Kingdom FTSE 100 index fell 1.4% to 10,227.33 on Tuesday, June 9, marking its lowest closing level since May 15. The blue-chip decline was mirrored by the midcap FTSE 250, which shed 0.8% as heavyweight banking and energy sectors retreated. This broad sell-off reflects investor anxiety over shifting global trade regulations and persistent inflationary pressures.
### Energy and Banking Drags Energy stocks fell 2.2% following a decline in crude oil prices, which dropped more than 3%. The move followed a de-escalation in the Middle East after Israel and Iran halted direct attacks following an appeal by the United States president.
