Finance
London's FTSE 100 dips as sterling strengthens amid Trump-Powell tensions
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 12, 2026
FTSE 100 Declines as Sterling Gains Amid Trump-Powell Tensions
Market Overview and Key Influences
Jan 12 (Reuters) - London's FTSE 100 fell on Monday as a stronger sterling pressured the export-heavy index, amid tensions between the Trump administration and Federal Reserve Chair, and banks declining after U.S. President Trump's credit card rate cap call.
Impact of Sterling Strength
The blue-chip FTSE 100 was down 0.07% by 1032 GMT. Meanwhile, the domestically focused mid-cap index slipped 0.2%, on pace to snap five-day streak of gains.
Banking Sector Reactions
The pound strengthened against the dollar, last up 0.4%, after the Trump administration threatened Fed Chair Jerome Powell with a criminal indictment, a move that could endanger the greenback's safe-haven status.
Investor Behavior and Safe Havens
Banking stocks were also a major drag after President Donald Trump on Friday called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%, starting on January 20, but did not provide details.
Barclays fell 3.3% and Close Brothers Group slid 1.2%.
The move also prompted investors to flee to safe-haven assets with the index of precious metal miners jumping 4.3%, after gold struck a record high of more than $4,600 an ounce. [GOL/]
Meanwhile, Britain's job market cooled in December as hiring fell for a 39th month, while starting salaries rose, keeping the Bank of England focused on rate cuts after December's move.
Among other stocks, British semiconductor wafer maker IQE jumped 34.6% after the company said it expects its revenue and adjusted core profit for fiscal 2025 to be at the upper end of its forecasts.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies was up 7% after the biotech firm forecast annual revenue growth ahead of its forecast.
(Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
Frequently Asked Questions about London's FTSE 100 dips as sterling strengthens amid Trump-Powell tensions
1What is the FTSE 100?
The FTSE 100 is a stock market index that represents the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, reflecting the performance of the UK stock market.
2What is currency hedging?
Currency hedging is a financial strategy used to protect against potential losses due to fluctuations in exchange rates, often involving the use of financial instruments.
