FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Little Changed on Tuesday

The FTSE 100 experienced minimal movement on Tuesday after having reached a record high the day before. The healthcare sector saw a downturn, with companies like AstraZeneca and GSK declining approximately 1%, and BAE Systems also experiencing a drop. Gold mining companies, including Fresnillo and Endeavour, saw a halt in their recent upward trend. On a positive note, Whitbread's shares surged nearly 4% following the Premier Inn owner's announcement that the UK budget's impact on costs would be less than anticipated, alleviating pressure on their profit margins. Diageo's shares increased by about 2% amid reports suggesting the company is evaluating strategic options for its operations in China, potentially considering a sale, which has spurred optimism about future value creation. Persimmon's stock edged up after announcing that earnings are expected to exceed forecasts, driven by improved pricing and a strong start to Boxing Day sales. Nonetheless, the broader consumer environment remains challenging. Recent data indicated that UK retail sales growth decelerated for the fourth consecutive month in December, suggesting a lackluster Christmas season, with discretionary spending remaining weak despite stronger demand for grocery items.