FTSE 100 stock market performance

What happened: The FTSE 100 experienced a mixed week, with gains and losses driven by various factors. On Friday, it rose marginally on earnings and encouraging retail sales data, while crude oil prices weakened. On Thursday and Monday, it fell due to sector-specific declines, particularly in healthcare, energy, and consumer goods. On Wednesday, it extended gains on a global tech sector rebound, despite losses in energy giants. Geopolitical tensions, notably in the Middle East, influenced market sentiment throughout the week.

Market impact: The FTSE 100's performance affected several sectors and companies. Healthcare stocks, led by AstraZeneca, tanked nearly 10% on Thursday, dragging the index down. Energy and consumer goods sectors also weighed on the market. Conversely, banks and miners gained notable ground on certain days, limiting market losses. Housebuilders showed strong recovery, contributing to the index's gains on Wednesday.

What to watch next: Investors should monitor the upcoming U.S. non-farm payroll data, which could provide clues about the Federal Reserve's interest rate move. Additionally, the fresh round of Iran-U.S. negotiations scheduled for Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, may influence market sentiment. Lastly, the FTSE 100's performance will be closely watched as it approaches its recent record highs.