The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.12% Lower

The FTSE 100 traded lower for a second session on Friday, as cautious sentiment dominated markets, with investors assessing the latest developments in US Iran talks, including a delay to President Donald Trump’s deadline for a deal. Overall mood remains uncertain as there have been no concrete breakthroughs, leaving markets with limited catalysts while concerns over inflation and higher interest rates persist. Declines in banking, energy and defence stocks weighed on the index, with HSBC, Lloyds and Barclays down between 0.5% and 1%, while Shell and BP fell around 0.5% to 0.7%. Rolls Royce dropped 1.4% and BAE Systems lost 0.8%. On the upside, AstraZeneca gained about 3% after reporting positive phase three trial results for its COPD treatment tozorakimab. Meanwhile, data showed UK retail sales fell less than expected in February, down 0.4% both including and excluding fuel. For the week, the UK index is marginally up.

The FTSE 100 Index is dropping -12 points. Leading the losses are Compass (-2.06%), Fresnillo (-1.90%) and JD Sports Fashion (-1.57%). Top gainers were AstraZeneca (2.99%), 3i (2.22%) and Vistry Group (1.68%).

The FTSE 100 Index decreased -145 points or 1.44 percent on Thursday to close at 9961 points. The decline was led by 3i (-18.02%), Antofagasta (-6.94%) and Fresnillo (-5.28%).