27.03.202616:57:34UTC+00FTSE 100 Little Changed on Friday

The FTSE 100 ended Friday little changed as caution dominated sentiment, with investors weighing ongoing US–Iran negotiations and President Donald Trump’s decision to push back his deadline for a deal. The lack of tangible progress kept markets directionless, with few fresh catalysts and persistent worries over inflation and interest rates.

Latest data showed UK retail sales slipped 0.4% in February, a slightly smaller decline than economists had forecast, while consumer confidence weakened modestly.

Defence stocks underperformed, with BAE Systems down nearly 2% and Rolls-Royce losing more than 3%. Banks also retreated: Lloyds, Barclays and Standard Chartered fell between 1% and 1.7%.

In contrast, AstraZeneca climbed about 3% after reporting positive trial results for its COPD treatment. Mining stocks also advanced, with Endeavour Mining up nearly 2%, Fresnillo gaining more than 1%, and Antofagasta, Rio Tinto and Glencore all closing higher.

For the week, the UK blue-chip index recorded a gain of 0.5%.