FTSE 100 Live: Miners Drag Index Lower as Centrica Slumps, Consumer and Data Stocks Gain

The FTSE 100 opened lower after closing at a record 10,686.18 in the previous session. The index slipped 31.94 points to 10,654.24 in early trade. Despite strong corporate updates in select names, heavyweight miners and energy stocks weighed on the index.

Consumer, Data and Travel Stocks Lead

Mondi gained 5.52% to £975.40, while RELX advanced 3.45% to £2,311, reflecting continued strength in data and analytics-focused businesses. 

Specialty chemicals group Croda gained 1.18% to £3,006 and credit reporting firm Experian also added  1.18% to £2,581.

Among others, Informa rose 1.16% to £834.80, while IAG edged up 0.86% to £446.

Miners and Energy Stocks Under Pressure

Mining sector dragged the index and  Rio Tinto fell 3.28% to £7,147 following its annual results despite maintaining its 60% earnings dividend payout policy for the tenth consecutive year. 

Fellow miner Antofagasta also declined 3.00% to £3,880, while Fresnillo dropped 2.45% to £3,816.

Diversified miner Anglo American slipped 1.53% to £3,605 and it reflects ongoing pressure in commodities markets.

Centrica Profit Declines 

British Gas owner Centrica reported a sharp fall in 2025 operating profit to £814 million down from £1.5 billion the year before. 

The residential energy supply business delivered £163 million down from £269 million due to negative weather and commodity curve impacts. 

A final dividend of £3.67 a share lifts the total for the year by 22% to £5.5.

Debenhams Group tops fundraising goal 

Debenhams Group successfully closed its fundraising at £40 million and increased from the initial £35 million target after massive investor interest. 

The group expects to get around £38.7 million after expenses to support its multi-year turnaround strategy and improve capital structure. 

The fundraiser was launched earlier this week to support its shift to a marketplace business model. The retail giant also issued shares at £18.

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Global Market View

In the US Dow Jones Industrial Average yesterday rose 0.3%. S&P 500 index rallied 0.6% and Nasdaq Composite lifted 0.8%.

In Asian market, South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.09% to 5,677.25 with tech heavyweights Samsung and SK Hynix up 7.15% and 1.59% respectively. 

Japan’s Nikkei 225 inched up 0.25% as Softbank rose 2.64% to 4,440 yen.

Investors stay focused on global monetary policy signals with traders pricing in a 50% chance of a June US rate cut. However Federal Reserve minutes suggested policymakers should stay cautious on easing.