FTSE 100 Declines for Third Day as Investors Await Bank Earnings

The FTSE 100 Index retreated for a third consecutive session as market participants shifted their focus toward upcoming corporate earnings from major players including Lloyds, Barclays, Natwest, and GSK. Sentiment was further weighed down by a decline in shares of companies exposed to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. While the mining sector previously provided some support through gains in Hochschild Mining, the broader market remains under pressure ahead of key banking and pharmaceutical reports. Meanwhile, the mid-cap FTSE 250 showed some stability following recent domestic economic indicators. Investors are maintaining a cautious stance, awaiting clarity from the heavy-weight earnings season and geopolitical developments.