The FTSE 100 fluctuated between small gains and losses on Tuesday after rising 0.8% on Monday, as investors weighed higher oil prices and ongoing Middle East uncertainty. Kingfisher led individual gainers, climbing more than 7% after raising its profit guidance on strong momentum at Screwfix and in Poland and Iberia. Smiths Group advanced around 4.5% after reporting higher revenue and highlighting expected H2 growth at John Crane and continued benefits from the data-centre boom at Flex-Tek. Healthcare, consumer and energy stocks also gained, while defence and financial shares declined. Brent crude rose, potentially ending a 4-session losing streak, as markets monitored supply flows and diplomatic efforts. President Trump is due to address the UN General Assembly and may meet Iran’s president. UK government borrowing reached GBP 18.3 billion in August, above expectations of GBP 15.5 billion, while borrowing for April-August totalled GBP 77.3 billion, exceeding the OBR’s GBP 69.2 billion forecast.