British Airways owner sees stock price plummet as FTSE 100 falls

"The FTSE 100 has suffered a drop of more than 1 per cent on Monday, as stock markets around the world react to strikes on Iran by the US and the ensuing crisis across the Middle East. While the prices of oil and gold have both gone up, stock markets are heading in the opposite direction as investors weigh the uncertainty and risk around businesses of different types."

"In London's main index, British Airlines owner IAG was one of the biggest fallers in morning trading, falling up to 7 per cent before clawing back some ground, though was still down 5 per cent approaching noon GMT. BA is among the airlines who have cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, while higher fuel costs may also impact on transport firms."

"Informa, an events organising firm, fell up to 9 per cent before also inching back upwards, as the heaviest-hit share price early on over fears around their business exposure in the Middle East. Barclays, HSBC and Standard Chartered were among the banks also suffering losses, each down more than 4 per cent in the six biggest fallers of the morning."

The FTSE 100 index fell more than 1% on Monday following US military strikes on Iran and the resulting Middle East crisis. While oil and gold prices increased, stock markets declined as investors assessed business risks and uncertainty. British Airways owner IAG fell 5%, while events organizer Informa dropped 9% due to Middle East exposure concerns. Major banks including Barclays, HSBC, and Standard Chartered each lost over 4%. Airlines faced additional pressure from flight cancellations to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, plus elevated fuel costs affecting transport sector profitability.

Read at www.independent.co.uk