The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.12% Lower

The FTSE 100 Index dropped -12 points or 0.12 percent on Friday to close at 9961 points. Losses were led by Barratt Redrow (-4.02%), Babcock International (-3.88%) and Auto Trader (-3.83%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were AstraZeneca (3.34%), 3i (2.46%) and Endeavour (1.91%).

The FTSE 100 was little changed on Friday as cautious sentiment prevailed, with investors assessing ongoing US Iran talks and President Donald Trump’s decision to delay his deadline for a deal. The lack of clear progress has left markets uncertain, with few catalysts and continued concerns over inflation and interest rates. Data showed UK retail sales fell 0.4% in February, slightly better than expected, while consumer confidence weakened modestly. Defence stocks lagged, with BAE Systems down nearly 2% and Rolls Royce falling over 3%, while banks including Lloyds, Barclays and Standard Chartered declined between 1% and 1.7%. On the upside, AstraZeneca rose about 3% after positive trial results for its COPD drug, while mining stocks advanced, with Endeavour Mining up nearly 2%, Fresnillo over 1%, and Antofagasta, Rio Tinto and Glencore also posting gains. For the week, the UK index increased 0.5%.

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.