The FTSE 100 finished little changed on Friday but outperformed most other major European indices, as strong updates from AstraZeneca and BP helped offset weakness in banking and mining shares. AstraZeneca advanced about 7% after reporting third-quarter core operating profit and earnings per share that beat expectations, while also reaffirming its full-year guidance. GSK added roughly 2%.
BP climbed more than 0.5% after posting profits of $8.46 billion, comfortably ahead of forecasts, supported by robust refining margins; Shell also ended the session slightly higher. Among consumer stocks, Unilever and BAT rose 2.2% and 1.7%, respectively.
In contrast, NatWest slumped 9% as its latest results did not trigger an upgrade to guidance, and Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays declined 5% and 3.8%. Mining shares also retreated amid weaker metal prices, with Endeavour and Fresnillo both dropping more than 5%. Antofagasta slid 4.6% and Anglo American lost 3.5%. Despite the mixed session, the FTSE 100 gained 0.4% over the week and advanced 12% in October.