The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.18% Lower

The FTSE 100 traded little changed to slightly higher on Friday as markets stabilized after a volatile week dominated by renewed tensions in the Middle East. Mining stocks provided support, with Rio Tinto rising about 1.5%, Glencore adding 0.5%, while Anglo American and Antofagasta gained 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. In contrast, AstraZeneca fell more than 1%, extending Thursday's 6.2% decline after its gene-silencing therapy Wainua failed a late-stage clinical trial. In the FTSE 250, EasyJet surged after private equity firm Apollo agreed to acquire the airline for £7.15 per share in a deal valued at about £5.7 billion, surpassing a competing offer from Castlelake. Investors also continued to monitor developments in the Middle East, although market volatility eased as the week drew to a close. Despite Friday's steadier performance, the FTSE 100 remained down about 1.8% for the week.

The FTSE 100 Index is gaining 10 points or 0.10 percent on Friday. Leading the gains are Vodafone (10.73%), Airtel Africa (1.74%) and BT (1.66%). Top losers are St. Jamess (-7.00%), AstraZeneca (-1.50%) and BP (-0.62%).

The FTSE 100 Index decreased 19 points or 0.18 percent on Thursday to close at 10470 points. The decline was led by AstraZeneca (-6.22%), Polar Capital Holdings (-5.06%) and BAE Systems (-4.00%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Anglo American (5.83%), Computacenter (5.51%) and Antofagasta (5.36%).