The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.10% Lower

The FTSE 100 traded slightly lower on Friday, extending its losses for a fifth consecutive session, as weakness across mining and pharmaceutical stocks weighed on the index. Lower industrial metal prices pressured miners, with Antofagasta falling more than 4%, while Glencore, Endeavour and Fresnillo each declined by more than 2%. Anglo American also dropped around 1.8%. Pharmaceutical stocks were similarly weak, with AstraZeneca and GSK both losing more than 1%. The declines came despite a relatively stronger performance from energy stocks, with Shell and BP trading slightly higher as oil prices remained supported. Aviva also edged up after the insurer reported a 24% increase in first-half profit compared with the previous year. The company said it remained on track to meet its three-year group targets, providing some support to its shares. For the week, the UK index was down around 1.4%.

The FTSE 100 Index is dropping 11 points. Leading the losses are Antofagasta (-3.73%), Glencore (-2.14%) and Fresnillo (-2.12%). Top gainers were The Sage Group (3.92%), Experian (3.81%) and Relx (2.69%).

The FTSE 100 Index decreased 76 points or 0.70 percent on Thursday to close at 10757 points. The decline was led by Antofagasta (-6.78%), Fresnillo (-5.07%) and Rio Tinto (-4.72%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Lion Finance Group (2.67%), British American Tobacco (2.25%) and Persimmon (2.01%).