FTSE 100 closes 1.03% lower as risk aversion returns

Published on 11/03/2026 at 18:45 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

The FTSE 100 fell 1.03% on Tuesday as a global equity sell-off and uncertainty around US midterm elections weighed on London stocks. Weak results and guidance from Associated British Foods added pressure, while investors looked ahead to the Bank of England's decision on November 5.

FTSE 100 ends lower

The FTSE 100 closed 1.03% lower on Tuesday, November 3, ending a four-session winning streak.
Associated British Foods shares weakened after lower earnings and a cautious outlook, while global technology losses also pressured sentiment.
Investors monitored geopolitical developments, US midterm elections and the Bank of England's interest-rate decision due on November 5.

FTSE 100, GB0001383545, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

The FTSE 100 closed 1.03% lower on Tuesday, November 3, according to MT Newswires via Yahoo Finance. The decline ended the index's four-session winning streak and came as investors responded to weakness across global equity markets, geopolitical uncertainty and the start of the US midterm elections.

Risk aversion weighs on London

Market sentiment was already cautious during the session. Reuters reported that the FTSE 100 was down 0.5% at 10,705.31 points at 10:43 GMT, with a resurgence in oil prices weighing on risk appetite. The report also identified the US vote and this week's Bank of England policy decision as key issues for investors.

AB Foods adds corporate pressure

Associated British Foods was among the notable sources of stock-specific weakness. The company reported a 14% fall in earnings for its 2025/26 financial year and forecast another year of lower profits, with pressure on Primark margins and continued losses in its sugar business. Its shares fell 1.78% in the session, according to the MT Newswires report.

The same report said Coca-Cola Europacific Partners finished lower despite reporting a 6.5% year-over-year increase in third-quarter revenue and maintaining its 2026 revenue-growth guidance. Hiscox moved higher after reporting stronger insurance premium growth, providing a limited offset to broader market weakness.

BoE decision in focus

Attention now turns to the Bank of England's monetary policy decision scheduled for Thursday, November 5. The prospect of a policy signal arriving alongside elevated energy prices and geopolitical risk leaves UK equities sensitive to changes in interest-rate expectations. That backdrop may keep investors focused on defensive sectors and company-specific earnings rather than treating the day's decline as a standalone signal.

Further coverage of the FTSE 100 is available in the dedicated topic section.