empty
 
 

2026.03.1108:55:10UTC+00FTSE 100 Slides as Rate-Cut Bets Fade

London’s FTSE 100 extended its decline on Wednesday, closing down 0.8% at 10,320 points, as investors tempered expectations for additional interest rate cuts from the Bank of England this year. Losses were broad-based, with blue-chip names including AstraZeneca, HSBC, and Rolls-Royce among the main drags on the index. Retailers, however, found some support following upbeat earnings from Inditex.

While oil prices have pulled back from levels above $100 per barrel, the earlier spike has already reshaped market expectations. Money markets are now assigning only a slim probability to any rate cuts in 2026.

In corporate news, insurer and investment manager Legal & General fell nearly 6% after its solvency ratio missed forecasts, despite posting higher annual profits and unveiling a £1.2 billion share buyback programme.

  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $8000 more!
    In March we raffle $8000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS


Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback