FTSE 100 falls for 6th straight session on staples weakness
The FTSE 100 edged lower for a sixth consecutive session as consumer staples fell, with Unilever nearly 2% down, British American Tobacco down 1.6%, Diageo down 2.8%, and Tesco off almost 3%.
The FTSE 100 edged lower on Monday, extending its decline to a sixth consecutive session as weakness in consumer staples weighed on the index.
Unilever fell nearly 2%, while British American Tobacco and Diageo dropped 1.6% and 2.8%, respectively.
Tesco also lost almost 3%.
In contrast, mining stocks benefited from stronger metals prices.
Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining gained around 2% and 2.6%, supported by higher gold prices, while Antofagasta, Anglo American and Glencore also advanced as copper prices continued to rise.
Pharmaceuticals provided some support, with AstraZeneca gaining about 1% and GSK rising more than 2%.
Meanwhile, oil prices moved higher as renewed violence in the Middle East raised concerns about further escalation.
Hopes for a diplomatic resolution weakened after President Donald Trump reportedly indicated he was in no rush to end the conflict with Iran, while fighting intensified again in Lebanon.