UK stocks saw a slight decline on Tuesday as investors expressed concerns over China's economic recovery and contemplated the potential impacts of a probable second term for former President Donald Trump.
The FTSE 100 benchmark index dipped by 0.1 percent to 8,175, following a 0.9 percent drop on Monday.
Mining stocks were under pressure as copper prices fell due to apprehensions about weakening demand from China. Major players such as Anglo American, Antofagasta, and Glencore experienced declines ranging from 1 to 2 percent. Additionally, Rio Tinto slid by 2.5 percent after its second-quarter iron ore shipments fell short of expectations.
Conversely, shares of Ocado surged by 15 percent after the online grocer raised profit forecasts for its main technology division.
B&M European Value Retail advanced by 3.4 percent as the discount retailer expressed confidence in achieving profitable, cash-generating growth for the entire financial year, supported by a 2.4 percent revenue increase in Q1 FY2024.
Meanwhile, credit reporting firm Experian saw a decrease of 1.6 percent following the announcement of its chief operating officer’s departure.