FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Falls to 4-Week Low

The FTSE 100 fell more than 1% on Wednesday, slipping to a four-week low and lagging other major European indices as heavyweight pharmaceutical stocks weighed on the market. AstraZeneca declined more than 2% and GSK dropped over 6%, despite both marginally beating earnings estimates, underscoring selling pressure on two of the benchmark’s largest constituents. Lloyds Banking Group edged down around 0.8% even after posting stronger-than-expected first-quarter profits and issuing a more upbeat full-year outlook. Haleon lost about 3% after reiterating its guidance but warning of softer US revenue, citing an unusually mild cold and flu season. Oil prices climbed sharply, reinforcing broader risk aversion across markets as investors also focused on upcoming earnings from major US technology companies, including Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta. At the same time, reports that President Donald Trump is preparing for an extended naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz have heightened concerns over potential geopolitical escalation and further disruption to global energy supplies.