FTSE 100 Edges Down Amid Energy Stock Slump

The FTSE 100 index closed slightly lower due to downturns in energy stocks and a significant loss for AstraZeneca. Despite a profit rise, NatWest shares dropped. Meanwhile, Pearson and Unilever saw gains. Trading was thin ahead of a UK public holiday.

The FTSE 100 index in London witnessed a slight decline on Friday, impacted by falls in major energy stocks and drugmaker AstraZeneca. The decline occurred amid lighter trading volumes due to an upcoming UK public holiday.

The FTSE 100 ended 0.1% lower, closing at 10,363.93 points, contrasted by the midcap FTSE 250's 0.3% rise. AstraZeneca saw a 3.1% drop following a negative outcome from a U.S. FDA panel recommendation on a crucial breast cancer drug.

Meanwhile, NatWest reported a 12% jump in first-quarter profit, although its shares slipped 3.4% due to underperforming non-interest income. In contrast, Pearson and Unilever made gains, while trading across European markets was subdued.