The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.39% Lower

The FTSE 100 Index is losing 41 points. Losses were led by AstraZeneca (-8.81%), BP (-1.41%) and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (-1.31%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Computacenter (12.43%), Antofagasta (3.63%) and Anglo American (3.02%).

The FTSE 100 traded lower on Thursday, extending a 1.7% loss in the previous session, amid weakness in healthcare and energy stocks. AstraZeneca slumped 9% after its gene-silencing drug Wainua, developed with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, failed in a late-stage clinical trial to reduce heart complications in patients with a rare and potentially fatal cardiac disease. Energy majors also pressured the market, with Shell falling 0.8% and BP losing 1.3% as oil prices reversed earlier gains despite renewed tensions between the US and Iran. Concerns over the conflict, alongside uncertainty surrounding the durability of the ceasefire, have revived fears that higher energy prices could fuel inflation. Elsewhere, Severn Trent said trading remained in line with expectations after a strong start to its 2027 financial year. Meanwhile, the latest RICS survey showed UK house prices continued to decline in June, although the pace of falls eased slightly, suggesting the housing market may be stabilising.

The FTSE 100 Index fell 197 points or 1.84 percent on Wednesday to close at 10469 points. Leading the losses are Endeavour (-7.30%), Antofagasta (-6.40%) and Anglo American (-6.34%).