FTSE flat as Wall Street caps gains

clock

The FTSE 100 has ended the day practically unchanged with a small fall of 0.3 points to 6,149.3, as weak readings on the US economy limited a late rally.

Smith & Nephew was the biggest drag on the index with a fall of 4.22% to 487.75p, following its third quarter figures and confirmation it is in early stage merger talks with US firm Biomet. Amvescap also struggled, ending the day with a drop of 2.58% to 596p, closely followed by Sage Group which slipped 2.52% to 232.5p, while BAE Systems ended the day down 2.4% to 406p, while Carnival dropped 1.77% to £24.98. Unilever posted the biggest gains with a rise of 4.64% to £13.54, closely followed by British Energy Group which gained 4.39% to 452p, while GlaxoSmithKline climbed 1.58% to £14.14...

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 Investment

Darius McDermott: Old demographics, new innovations — so why isn't healthcare booming?

Darius McDermott: Old demographics, new innovations — so why isn't healthcare booming?

'The sector should be flying — but it isn't'

Darius McDermott
clock 08 May 2025 • 5 min read
Why China's journey to net zero demands investors' attention

Why China's journey to net zero demands investors' attention

China's journey towards net zero could yet prove more rapid than expected

Gabriel Sacks
clock 07 May 2025 • 4 min read
Morningstar CEO: Advisers and industry need 'shared language' around risk

Morningstar CEO: Advisers and industry need 'shared language' around risk

Kapoor points to UK regulation becoming more ‘goals focused’

Sahar Nazir
clock 07 May 2025 • 2 min read