The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.41% Lower

The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.4% on Thursday, marking a fourth straight decline as tensions between the US and Iran persisted and oil prices moved higher. The two sides failed to hold a new round of peace talks and remain locked in a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. J Sainsbury dropped over 5% after warning the Middle East conflict could weigh on customers and profits, while Relx fell more than 2% despite reaffirming its outlook. Several stocks also traded ex-dividend, adding pressure, including Fresnillo, BAE Systems, and Legal and General. On the upside, the London Stock Exchange Group rose about 1% after reporting strong first-quarter revenue growth driven by higher trading activity. In economic data, the UK budget deficit narrowed to £12.6 billion in March, the lowest for the month since 2022.

The FTSE 100 Index is losing 43 points. Losses were led by Fresnillo (-5.98%), J Sainsbury (-5.34%) and Entain (-5.08%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Hikma Pharmaceutical (4.01%), Reckitt Benckiser (1.35%) and Melrose (1.08%).

The FTSE 100 Index fell 18 points or 0.17 percent on Wednesday to close at 10480 points. Leading the losses are Melrose (-6.24%), Reckitt Benckiser (-4.76%) and International Airlines Group (-3.80%). Top gainers were Glencore (2.64%), Bunzl (2.42%) and Rio Tinto (2.17%).