FTSE 100 Opens Week Higher; Computacenter Surges on Upgraded Outlook

12:48 PM EDT, 10/26/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Britain's FTSE 100 index started the week 0.73% in the green, reversing the losses in the previous session, as investors assessed the latest corporate earnings and economic data ahead of the Autumn Budget. Computacenter (CCC.L) now expects its 2026 adjusted profit before tax to be no less than 425 million pounds sterling following an "excellent" third-quarter performance and a "strong start" to the fourth quarter. The company-compiled analyst consensus is 387.1 million pounds, while it previously estimated the figure to be no less than 380 million pounds. The technology and services group was the top gainer on the blue-chip index, jumping 11.49% on Monday's close. Meanwhile, Airtel Mobile Commerce (AMC.L), d/b/a Airtel Money, reported $213 million in profit attributable to owners of the company for the fiscal first half, compared with $176 million a year ago, in its first results as a listed company. The digital financial services group was up 2.90%. "Underlying EBITDA margin at 48.0%, compared with 50.8% in the prior period, driven primarily by the impact from the change to the intra-group agreements with effect from July 2025. The first half margin reflects the greater concentration of the IGA impact in H1. As this effect moderates, we expect the margin to strengthen in H2, leaving us on track to deliver our full-year guidance," Chief Executive Officer Ian Basil Ferrao said. In macroeconomic news, the Confederation of British Industry's latest distributive trades survey showed that retail sales in the year to October fell at the slowest pace in 18 months. The weighted balance improved to -10% from -55% previously, beating the consensus estimate of -47%. "This week's Autumn Budget must give firms in the distribution sector the breathing space required to support stronger trading conditions. Cutting employer National Insurance Contributions and delivering meaningful business rates reform would ease the cost burden on retailers, wholesales, and motor traders, helping them to invest, hire and grow," CBI lead economist Martin Sartorius said. On the geopolitical front, Iran's Foreign Ministry said high-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey will meet with Iranian authorities in Tehran amid a potential escalation of the war between Iran and the US and Israel, the Associated Press reported.