Market Index Declines as Rio Tinto Falls Short on Earnings, U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise The blue-chip index dipped 0.7% at 1101, following two consecutive record-high closes. FTSE 250 experiences a decline of 0.5%. Rio Tinto declined by 4.4% following the announcement of flat annual earnings that did not meet expectations, with its primary iron ore sector experiencing reduced prices, even though its copper division performed well.

Global investors were unsettled as Washington and Tehran escalated military actions in the oil-rich Middle East, even with indications of advancement in nuclear discussions in Geneva. UK stocks are experiencing an uptick due to robust corporate earnings, optimism surrounding monetary easing, and a shift in investor focus from struggling U.S. stocks amid concerns related to AI. London Stock Exchange Group climbed 0.7% as activist investor Elliott Investment Management pushes for a comprehensive portfolio review and a £5 billion ($6.76 billion) buyback.

Centrica, the owner of British Gas, dropped 5.3% to the bottom of the blue-chip index after warning that 2026 profits at its energy trading arm would fall short of forecasts and pausing its share buyback program following a 39% annual profit decline.