The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.10% Lower

The FTSE 100 Index decreased 11 points or 0.10 percent on Thursday to close at 10466 points. The decline was led by Fresnillo (-6.31%), Legal & General (-5.47%) and The Sage Group (-4.33%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Hikma Pharmaceutical (6.15%), Anglo American (4.08%) and Melrose (2.22%).

The FTSE 100 slipped again on Thursday, extending its losing streak to four sessions as tensions between the US and Iran remained elevated. The absence of progress in peace talks and continued disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz kept sentiment subdued. J Sainsbury fell more than 4% after warning that the Middle East conflict could affect customers and profitability, while Relx dropped over 2% despite reaffirming its outlook. Additional pressure came from several ex-dividend stocks, including Fresnillo, BAE Systems, and Legal and General. In contrast, London Stock Exchange Group gained around 1% after reporting strong first-quarter revenue growth supported by higher trading activity. Economic data also weighed on sentiment, with PMI readings pointing to weaker business confidence and rising inflation pressures, although the UK budget deficit narrowed to £12.6 billion in March, its lowest level for the month since 2022.

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.