FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Falls for 2nd Day

The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.5% on Thursday, extending its decline for a second straight session as broad-based weakness in banking, healthcare, and commodity-linked stocks dragged the index lower. Mining companies came under pressure amid falling metals prices, while banks and consumer-oriented firms also lost ground. Prudential slipped roughly 2.5% despite reporting stronger first-half new business profit, supported by robust performances in Hong Kong and Malaysia. At the same time, Nvidia’s better-than-expected results and upbeat outlook for artificial intelligence demand fueled a global rally in technology stocks. However, the FTSE 100, with its relatively limited tech exposure, lagged behind its European and US peers. Oil prices remained volatile as investors weighed progress on a potential agreement between Iran and Oman to establish a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.