FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Edges Lower as Global Risk Sentiment Weighs

In early December, the FTSE 100 index in London experienced a slight decline, dropping by 0.2% to approximately 9,700 points. This followed a modest increase of 0.1% in November, marking the index's fifth consecutive month of gains, the longest streak since 2021. Investors appear wary ahead of a release of pivotal US economic data, which will be scrutinized for indications concerning the future of interest rates. Additionally, focus is set on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's forthcoming address, during which he is anticipated to propose strategies to reduce welfare spending. In terms of stock performance, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and financial institution Lloyds saw declines of 1%, 1.9%, and 1.1% respectively. Conversely, consumer goods companies Unilever and Reckitt rose by 1.1% and 1.9%, while mining giants Glencore and Anglo American saw increases of 2.4% and 1.6%.