The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.03% Lower

The FTSE 100 traded around the flatline on Friday, remaining near its lowest level since July 21 and heading for a weekly decline of more than 2%, its steepest fall since April. Heavyweight stocks including HSBC, Unilever and Rolls-Royce were among the main drags, while Shell and BP remained the strongest performers, supported by higher oil prices. UK equities received some support from stronger-than-expected economic data, with GDP rising 0.4% in July after expanding 0.3% in June. The increase was well above economists’ expectations for no growth and marked a third consecutive month in which the economy exceeded forecasts, suggesting the UK may prove more resilient than expected during the second half of 2026. Meanwhile, Brent crude eased towards $105 a barrel but remained on course for a weekly gain of almost 10%.

The FTSE 100 Index is dropping 3 points. Leading the losses are Relx (-2.15%), London Stock Exchange (-1.50%) and Barratt Redrow (-1.49%). Top gainers were Barclays (1.06%), BT (0.90%) and Rolls-Royce (0.90%).

The FTSE 100 Index decreased 59 points or 0.55 percent on Thursday to close at 10611 points. The decline was led by Associated British Foods (-7.92%), Antofagasta (-5.68%) and Anglo American (-4.86%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Compass (1.83%), Vodafone (1.66%) and Imperial Brands (1.43%).