The UK’s benchmark stock index, the FTSE 100, experienced a modest decline on Friday, primarily influenced by the performance of utilities and mining stocks, and was poised to end a three-week winning streak. Utility company shares experienced a decline, contributing to a downward movement in the benchmark index, following a report on Thursday. The report indicated that Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has committed to severing the connection between gas and electricity prices.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index fell 0.1% to 10,581.06 points by 10:10 a.m., while the midcap FTSE 250 gained 0.1%, heading for a third straight week of gains.

• The utilities sector experienced a decline of 2.7%, with National Grid and Severn Trent down 1.3%; meanwhile, SSE and Centrica saw declines exceeding 5%.
• Miners Anglo American and Glencore are down 1.9% and 1.3%, respectively, tracking metal prices.
• Precious metal miners are down more than 1%, while industrial miners are also experiencing a decline of over 1%.
• Heavyweight banks down 0.1%.
• Oil giants BP and Shell are down 0.5% as crude prices declined on prospects of an end to the U.S.-Iran war.
• Workspace Group opens new tab plunges 12.5% after the office-space provider expects a substantial step down in annual profit.
• Associated British Foods is expected to outline plans to separate its Primark fashion chain from its food businesses, with shares down 0.4%.