FX.co ★ UK Stocks Finish Marginally Down

The FTSE 100 trimmed early losses to finish slightly lower at 10,516 on Wednesday, as declines in mining and telecom stocks and heightened tensions in the Middle East undermined risk appetite. Weaker-than-expected GDP data from China intensified worries that slowing growth would dampen demand for industrial metals, dragging down miners including Anglo American (-3.4%), Glencore (-2.4%) and Rio Tinto (-1.3%). Antofagasta also slipped 2.6%, despite reiterating its copper production guidance. Precious metals producers Fresnillo (-3.1%) and Endeavour Mining (-2.5%) came under pressure from softer bullion prices. Among other notable laggards were Vodafone Group, Airtel Africa and technology-focused investment trust Scottish Mortgage. In contrast, asset manager ICG (+5.5%) outperformed after posting robust first-quarter growth. Housebuilder Barratt Redrow climbed more than 4% after unveiling a new share buyback as part of a £400 million capital return programme for FY27, following a solid full-year performance, while sector peer Persimmon gained 3.9%.