Market Opens Firmly Higher as Pound Slips

The FTSE 100 started the week with positive momentum, gaining 0.3% in early trading, tracking broader gains across major European indices. By 07:49 GMT on Monday, investor sentiment remained upbeat despite a slight dip in the British pound, which edged down 0.05% to $1.32 against the US dollar.

Across Europe:

• Germany’s DAX was up 0.8%
• France’s CAC 40 gained 0.9%

The uplift reflects renewed confidence in equities amid stabilising economic outlooks and commodity strength.

BP Soars on Landmark Oil and Gas Discovery in Brazil

Energy giant BP (LON:BP) made headlines after announcing a major oil and gas discovery in Brazil’s Santos Basin—the company’s biggest find in 25 years.

• The discovery lies in a pre-salt, deep-water offshore region, believed to host vast reserves.
• BP aims to grow its production to between 2.3 and 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030.