FTSE 100 Falls to 4-Week Low

2026-04-29 16:06 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

The FTSE 100 fell more than 1% on Wednesday, slipping to a four-week low and underperforming other European markets as heavyweight pharmaceutical stocks dragged on the index.

AstraZeneca dropped over 2% and GSK fell over 6% despite both slightly beating estimates, reflecting pressure on two of the index’s largest constituents.

Lloyds Banking eased around 0.8% even after reporting stronger than expected first quarter profit and a more optimistic full year outlook.

Haleon declined about 3% after maintaining guidance but flagging weaker US sales due to a mild cold and flu season.

Oil prices surged, adding to broader market caution, while global attention turns to earnings from major US tech firms including Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta.

Meanwhile, reports suggest President Donald Trump is preparing for a prolonged naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about further geopolitical escalation.



News Stream
The FTSE 100 Index Closes 1.26% Lower
The FTSE 100 Index decreased 130 points or 1.26 percent on Wednesday to close at 10202 points. The decline was led by GlaxoSmithKline (-6.26%), B&M European Value (-5.23%) and Persimmon (-3.82%).
2026-04-29
FTSE 100 Falls to 4-Week Low
The FTSE 100 fell more than 1% on Wednesday, slipping to a four-week low and underperforming other European markets as heavyweight pharmaceutical stocks dragged on the index. AstraZeneca dropped over 2% and GSK fell over 6% despite both slightly beating estimates, reflecting pressure on two of the index’s largest constituents. Lloyds Banking eased around 0.8% even after reporting stronger than expected first quarter profit and a more optimistic full year outlook. Haleon declined about 3% after maintaining guidance but flagging weaker US sales due to a mild cold and flu season. Oil prices surged, adding to broader market caution, while global attention turns to earnings from major US tech firms including Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta. Meanwhile, reports suggest President Donald Trump is preparing for a prolonged naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about further geopolitical escalation.
2026-04-29
FTSE 100 Falls as Pharma Stocks Drag
The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.5% on Wednesday, slipping to a four-week low and underperforming other European markets as heavyweight pharmaceutical stocks dragged on the index. AstraZeneca dropped over 1% and GSK fell nearly 3% despite both slightly beating estimates, reflecting pressure on two of the index’s largest constituents. Lloyds Banking eased around 0.8% even after reporting stronger than expected first quarter profit and a more optimistic full year outlook. Haleon declined about 2% after maintaining guidance but flagging weaker US sales due to a mild cold and flu season. Oil prices edged higher, adding to broader market caution, while global attention turns to earnings from major US tech firms including Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta. Meanwhile, reports suggest President Donald Trump is preparing for a prolonged naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about further geopolitical escalation.
2026-04-29