The FTSE 100 remained relatively unchanged on Tuesday after reaching a record high in the previous session. While some sectors like healthcare and gold miners saw declines, others, such as hospitality and consumer discretionary stocks, experienced gains. Overall, the market painted a mixed picture, with positive news from some companies offset by concerns about broader economic conditions.
- The FTSE 100 hovered around flat after closing at a record high the previous session.
- Healthcare names fell, with AstraZeneca and GSK down around 1%.
- BAE Systems also slipped, and gold miners such as Fresnillo and Endeavour paused their recent rally.
- Whitbread shares jumped nearly 4% after the Premier Inn owner said the impact of the UK budget on costs would be lower than previously expected.
- Diageo rose about 2% following reports it is reviewing options for its China business.
- Persimmon edged higher after saying earnings should beat expectations.
- UK retail sales growth slowed for a fourth straight month in December.
The mixed performance suggests a period of consolidation for the FTSE 100. Gains in specific companies indicate pockets of strength, driven by company-specific factors and strategic reviews. However, broader economic data pointing to slowing retail sales growth raises concerns about the sustainability of further gains and suggests a potentially cautious outlook for the index overall.