22.04.202607:26:50UTC+00FTSE 100 Trades Cautiously Lower

The FTSE 100 traded flat to slightly lower on Wednesday, putting the index on track for a third consecutive decline as investors stayed cautious amid uncertainty over US–Iran talks, rising inflation, and mixed corporate news. Reckitt Benckiser slid more than 6% after reporting earnings below expectations, dragging on the benchmark. JD Sports dropped around 4% following the announcement that chairman Andy Higginson will step down after the July AGM. Rolls-Royce lost over 1.5%, while AstraZeneca, Unilever, and BAT also faced selling pressure. By contrast, BP inched up about 0.6%, and mining stocks lent support to the market: Rio Tinto rose 1.3%, Fresnillo gained nearly 2% after reaffirming its production guidance, and Antofagasta and Anglo American also advanced. On the macro front, UK inflation quickened to 3.3% in March from 3%, driven largely by higher energy costs linked to the Iran conflict.