2025.04.0216:02:23UTC+00UK Stocks End Slightly Lower

The FTSE 100 ended the trading session on Wednesday with a decline of approximately 0.3%, closing at 8,608. This performance was in alignment with similar downturns observed across European markets, as investors awaited the eagerly anticipated announcement on reciprocal tariffs by President Donald Trump. Reports suggest that a significant number of imports could be subjected to tariffs of around 20%. However, as final decisions remain under negotiation, there is potential for adjustments. Among the biggest decliners were Rolls-Royce, which fell by 3%, Vodafone by 2.5%, GSK by 2.4%, and housebuilders Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey, which saw decreases of 2.3% and 1.9% respectively. Conversely, Bunzl topped the list of gainers with a noteworthy 3.2% rise following a rating upgrade to 'buy' by Stifel, closely followed by WPP, which increased by 3%. Meanwhile, on the FTSE 250, Bakkavor Group surged by nearly 8% after reaching a price agreement for acquisition by competitor Greencore.