FX.co ★ UK Stocks Pull Back Off Record Highs

The FTSE 100 index experienced a decline of 0.6%, settling around 8,830 during early trading on Friday. This movement pulls back from the previous day's record-high closing, as rising tensions in the Middle East prompted a widespread sell-off in global equity markets. The situation intensified after Israel initiated extensive strikes against Iran, heightening concerns of a potential wider conflict in the area. In parallel, investors are paying close attention to ongoing trade negotiations, particularly the details of the US-China framework agreement, which remain in development. Additionally, US President Donald Trump announced plans to determine tariff rates for trading partners within the next two to three weeks. Broad sell-offs were noted, with significant losses seen in stocks like Barclays, which fell by 2.3%, Natwest at 2.2%, and Antofagasta declining by 2%. Overall, the FTSE 100 has experienced a modest decline of 0.1% for the week thus far.