The British stock market interrupted its growth streak on Thursday: the FTSE 100 index fell 0.4%, reflecting the overall weakness of European markets. The GBP/USD pair gained 0.07% and remained close to 1.3513. Pressure was also observed on the continent, with the German DAX losing 0.3% and the French CAC 40 losing 0.4%.

Among corporate events, Rio Tinto's earnings report attracted investors' attention. The company maintained its underlying profit at $10.87 billion for 2025, which was higher than Bloomberg's consensus forecast of $10.81 billion.

The results were supported by growth in copper and aluminum production, as well as cost control, despite lower iron ore prices. At the same time, net profit attributable to shareholders fell 14% to $9.97 billion due to increased debt and one-off expenses related to M&A transactions.

Centrica, which owns British Gas, posted a statutory loss of £72 million, compared with a profit of £1.33 billion a year earlier. Mondi increased its revenue by 3% to €7.7 billion thanks to volume growth and the integration of Schumacher. Safestore increased its revenue by 6.3% at comparable exchange rates in the first quarter. Debenhams Group raised £40 million in a resubscribed placement at 18 pence per share, a 5% discount to the February 17 closing price. Net proceeds after expenses are estimated at approximately £38.7 million.