Why Did Defence Stocks Drop While FTSE 100 Climbed?

2 min read | March 17, 2025 12:00 AM GMT | By Team Kalkine Media

Highlights

  • FTSE 100 rose, driven by life insurers, oil companies, and mining stocks.
  • Defence stocks declined following QinetiQ’s market update.
  • Nasdaq struggled as Tesla (TSLA) and Nvidia (NVDA) extended losses.

The FTSE 100 saw an upward movement, led by life insurers, energy companies, and mining stocks. Phoenix Group (PHNX) emerged as the top performer, posting a double-digit percentage increase after releasing financial results. M&G and Prudential  also saw increases ahead of their upcoming reports.

Energy companies provided additional strength, with BP and Shell (LSE:SHEL) contributing to the index’s rise. The upward trend extended to precious metals companies, including Fresnillo and Endeavour Min. Industrial metals firms Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) and Anglo American also showed upward movement.

Defence Stocks Face Declines

Despite overall market strength, defence stocks moved lower. QinetiQ experienced pressure following an update that impacted sector sentiment. The company’s latest communication weighed on investor confidence, affecting other firms within the industry.

Supermarkets Under Pressure

Retail stocks faced headwinds, with supermarkets among the biggest decliners. Asda’s recent statement influenced the sector, prompting speculation about future developments. The impact was observed across key grocery retailers as market participants evaluated potential implications.

US Technology Stocks Face Selling Pressure

Across the Atlantic, major stock indices showed mixed movements. While broader markets remained firm, the Nasdaq registered declines. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) continued its downward trend, experiencing a sharp drop during the session and extending its multi-week slide. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) also faced selling pressure, with the company’s stock declining further.

The recent losses in technology stocks contributed to Nasdaq’s weaker performance compared to other indices.


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