FTSE 100 falls as bond rout hits global equities

The domestically focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index fell 1.4%, led by declines in industrials and consumer discretionary stocks. Rightmove, which runs Britain's largest online real estate portal, fell 1.2% even as it expected robust market activity this year ahead of a potential extension of tax break.

The export-heavy FTSE 100 fell 1% on Friday as a broader sell-off in bonds spread to global equities, while British Airways owner IAG rose 2.6% even as it posted a loss of more than $5 billion. The FTSE 100 fell 1.3%, tracking sharp losses in Europe and Asia as surging bond yields sparked fears of higher interest rates despite assurances by the world's major central banks.

Still, the commodity-heavy index is on course for a monthly gain of more than 2%, as an improving global economic outlook lifted copper and oil prices in February. The domestically focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index fell 1.4%, led by declines in industrials and consumer discretionary stocks.

Rightmove, which runs Britain's largest online real estate portal, fell 1.2% even as it expected robust market activity this year ahead of a potential extension of tax break. Insurer RSA shed 0.1% despite posting a higher operating profit for 2020.