FTSE 100 slips for second session, down more than 0.5%
The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.5% on Thursday for a second consecutive session. Banks, healthcare and commodity-related stocks weakened as mining pressured by metals prices, while Prudential slid about 2.5%.
The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.5% on Thursday, extending its decline for a second consecutive session as weakness across banking, healthcare and commodity-related stocks weighed on the index.
Mining shares came under pressure from falling metals prices, while banks and consumer-focused companies also declined.
Prudential dropped around 2.5% despite reporting stronger new business profit for the first half, supported by solid performances in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Nvidia’s stronger-than-expected results and upbeat outlook for artificial intelligence demand provided a significant boost to technology stocks globally, but the FTSE 100 has limited exposure to the sector and therefore lagged its European and US counterparts.
Oil prices remained volatile as investors assessed developments around a potential agreement between Iran and Oman to establish a temporary route through the Strait of Hormuz.