FX.co ★ UK Stocks on Lower Note

On Thursday, the UK's FTSE 100 index dipped below the 8,400 mark, erasing the gains made during the previous session. This movement reflects a prevailing sense of caution in the global market. Investors were influenced by uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy and ongoing trade tensions between major economies. While Washington expressed openness to reducing tariffs through a reciprocal agreement, China countered these suggestions, dismissing any active negotiations despite President Trump's hints at a potential deal. Market participants also absorbed a fresh batch of corporate earnings reports. Among the day's notable movers, Legal & General and Spirax saw declines of 5.2% and 3.2%, respectively, following the ex-dividend date. Additionally, Rentokil Initial experienced a 1.5% drop due to influences from its U.S. counterpart, Rollins. Conversely, Endeavour's shares increased by 3% as gold prices saw a resurgence, and Unilever posted a modest 0.3% gain after surpassing its Q1 sales projections and reaffirming its 2025 targets.