London, 28 January 2026 – The FTSE 100, the benchmark index of the London Stock Exchange, fell by 0.4% today, weighed down primarily by declines in banking and healthcare shares. Investors remain cautious as they assess recent corporate earnings reports and anticipate the forthcoming policy announcement from the United States Federal Reserve, which is expected to influence global markets.
The downturn was led by two key sectors—banking and healthcare—both of which carry significant weight within the FTSE 100. In contrast, the FTSE 250, which largely reflects domestic UK businesses, eked out a modest 0.1% gain, reaching its highest level since January 2022.
The following table summarises today’s principal market movements:
| Index / Sector / Company | Change (%) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| FTSE 100 | -0.4% | Broad-based decline in major UK index |
| FTSE 250 | +0.1% | Domestic companies show resilience |
| Healthcare Sector | -1.9% | Major pharmaceutical shares drop sharply |
| Banking Shares | -1.2% | Retreat following recent record highs |
| GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) | -1.9% | Pharmaceutical giant under pressure |
| AstraZeneca | -2.3% | Shares fall amid sector weakness |
| LVMH | -6.7% | French luxury company hit by disappointing earnings |
| Shell | +1.0% | Energy shares benefit from rising oil prices |
| BP | +1.0% | Energy sector gains momentum |
| Pets at Home | +5.3% | Retailer sees strong investor interest |
Healthcare shares were particularly under the spotlight, with both GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca declining by approximately 2%, reflecting investors’ growing caution regarding large pharmaceutical firms.
Banking shares also experienced downward pressure. Stocks of Investec, HSBC Holdings, and Close Brothers fell by between 1% and 2%, despite hitting record highs in the preceding sessions.
Luxury goods stocks were sharply hit, with French conglomerate LVMH tumbling nearly 6.7% after disappointing quarterly results. British luxury names such as Burberry and Watches of Switzerland also saw losses.
Conversely, precious metals stocks rose by 2.1%, supported by gold trading above $5,300 per ounce, as investors sought safe-haven assets. The energy sector posted gains, with Shell and BP up roughly 1%, bolstered by oil prices reaching their highest levels since last September.
Market participants are now closely watching the upcoming Federal Reserve policy announcement, widely expected to maintain interest rates. Attention is also turning to the financial results of major UK and international companies, which may drive fresh market momentum in the days ahead.