The FTSE 100 slipped again on Monday, marking a sixth straight session of losses as weakness in consumer staples dragged on the index. Unilever declined nearly 2%, while British American Tobacco and Diageo fell 1.6% and 2.8%, respectively. Tesco also retreated by almost 3%.
By contrast, mining stocks advanced on the back of firmer metals prices. Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining gained around 2% and 2.6%, supported by higher gold prices, while Antofagasta, Anglo American and Glencore also moved higher as copper prices continued to climb. Pharmaceuticals offered further support, with AstraZeneca up about 1% and GSK rising more than 2%.
At the same time, renewed violence in the Middle East heightened concerns over a possible escalation in the region. Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough dimmed after President Donald Trump reportedly signalled he was in no hurry to end the confrontation with Iran, while fighting flared again in Lebanon.
