The FTSE 100 index closed Thursday down 0.4% to 7595 points, lagging European peers after a disappointing update from the pharmaceutical giant Astrazeneca. The group missed expectations for core earnings for the quarter, prompting shares to drop 6.4% making it the worst performer of the index today. COMPANIES NEWS:Compass Group Revenue Rose Driven by Strong Growth Across All Regions; Backs GuidanceCompass Group said that it had a strong growth across all regions in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and backed its full-year guidance. However, both are weak now and possible offshore construction delays stemming from adverse weather and maintenance on the turbine installation vessel at Dogger Bank wind farm are also a point in focus, analysts say. Barclays sees significant longer-term upside and value-unlocking potential in the diversified miner, the analysts say.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 09, 2024 05:21 UTC