Overview

• The index added 0.5% to 9,350.43 on Tuesday, capping a 6.7% third‑quarter rise.
• Defence names led gains after UBS raised targets, with Melrose and Rolls‑Royce up more than 2%.
• The FTSE 250 rose 0.7% but sentiment at UK firms deteriorated, with the IoD confidence index falling to minus 74 in September, its lowest on record.
• Greggs said sales improved in August and September, with like‑for‑like up 1.5% in the 13 weeks to 27 September and full‑year guidance unchanged as 2025 cost pressures ease slightly.
• Traders are watching the US government shutdown, which drew a muted market response but could delay economic data used by the Federal Reserve.