FTSE falls on drug problem

clock

The FTSE 100 is down 16.9 points, or 0.25%, to 6,619.9 in early trading, as suggestions a diabetes drug produced by GlaxoSmithKline increases the risk of heart attacks.

Broker downgrades following the reports mean GSK is the biggest loser so far with a fall of 3.24% to £13.45, closely followed by Marks & Spencer which has slipped 2.84% to 717.5p on a bout of profit-taking, after it revealed profit rose 28.5% but failed to reach £1bn mark. Experian is also down 1.33% to 595.5p, closely followed by Detica Group which has slipped 1.26% to 372p, while British Airways has dropped 1.25% to 474p, although Wolseley is limiting losses with a rise of 1.45% to £13.25. Alliance & Leicester is posting the biggest gains with a rise of 4.1% to £11.94, closely followed...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Lowest level in two and a half years

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 August 2025 • 4 min read
Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Government not on track to meet ‘stability rule’

Sorin Dojan
clock 06 August 2025 • 1 min read
Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

'So, Sir Keir, if you're reading, I do genuinely hope Rachel is doing okay. And my number's still the same. So, you know, call me'

Laith Khalaf
clock 25 July 2025 • 5 min read