FX.co ★ FTSE 100 Falls on Thursday

The FTSE 100 fell more than 0.5% on Thursday, marking a fourth straight session of losses and lagging behind other major European indices, as declines in commodity-linked stocks overshadowed stronger-than-expected UK economic data. UK GDP grew 0.4% in the second quarter, matching forecasts, while monthly output rose 0.3% in June, beating expectations. However, weaker commodity prices put significant pressure on the index. Energy giants Shell and BP slipped 1.2% and 1.7%, respectively, and miners recorded even sharper losses as gold, silver and copper prices retreated. Antofagasta dropped more than 6%, Rio Tinto lost 4.7% and Anglo American fell 3.5%. Precious metals producers were also hit hard, with Fresnillo down 5.1% and Endeavour off 4.2%. In contrast, Entain reported better-than-expected operational profitability and reiterated that it remains confident in its full-year outlook.