The FTSE 100 has fallen 0.6% on Thursday morning, extending the week’s downward trend as weakness across major European markets continues. The FTSE 250 also declined, down 0.4%.
Germany’s DAX slipped 0.3% and France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.7%, reflecting a broader risk-off tone.
Within the UK blue-chip index, defence names outperformed. BAE Systems rose 2.8% and Babcock International added 2.7%. In addition, Rentokil Initial gained 1.7%.
The biggest faller is HSBC, down 4.3%, followed by Schroders, which has declined 2.5%. Persimmon and EasyJet have each slipped 2.4%.
Shares in M&G fell 1.2% after the company posted its 2025 annual results, reporting £7.8 billion in net inflows from its open business, adjusted operating profit of £838 million and an improved Solvency II ratio of 242%. The group reiterated assurance in its 2025–2027 targets.
In the mid-cap index, TP ICAP rose 5.1%, and Hochschild Mining climbed 3.5%.
The steepest FTSE 250 declines came from Alfa Financial Software, down 7.5%, and Trainline, which slid 6.7% after reporting full-year results showing net ticket sales up 7% to £6.3 billion, but UK consumer revenue down 2% due to a previously announced commission rate cut.
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