The FTSE 100 ended Friday little changed as caution dominated sentiment, with investors weighing ongoing US–Iran negotiations and President Donald Trump’s decision to push back his deadline for a deal. The lack of tangible progress kept markets directionless, with few fresh catalysts and persistent worries over inflation and interest rates.
Latest data showed UK retail sales slipped 0.4% in February, a slightly smaller decline than economists had forecast, while consumer confidence weakened modestly.
Defence stocks underperformed, with BAE Systems down nearly 2% and Rolls-Royce losing more than 3%. Banks also retreated: Lloyds, Barclays and Standard Chartered fell between 1% and 1.7%.
In contrast, AstraZeneca climbed about 3% after reporting positive trial results for its COPD treatment. Mining stocks also advanced, with Endeavour Mining up nearly 2%, Fresnillo gaining more than 1%, and Antofagasta, Rio Tinto and Glencore all closing higher.
For the week, the UK blue-chip index recorded a gain of 0.5%.
