FTSE 100 Inches Up Amid Cooling Inflation as Pharma Stocks Decline

June 19, 2025 03:30 AM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

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FTSE 100 Inches Up Amid Cooling Inflation as Pharma Stocks Decline — Image source: Shutterstock

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Highlights

FTSE 100 shows minor gains following a decline in inflation indicators for May

Pharmaceutical shares experience downward movement following tariff remarks from the U.S.

GSK (LON:GSK) and AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) among key stocks trading lower

The FTSE 100 index reflected modest gains following official data indicating a softening in the United Kingdom’s inflation levels for May. The index, which includes companies like AstraZeneca (LON:AZN), GSK (LON:GSK), and Unilever (LON:ULVR), responded positively to the inflation trend, even as pharmaceutical stocks faced pressure.

Inflation Data and Market Reaction

The latest consumer price trends in the United Kingdom show a slight cooling in inflation. While the figures remain above the central bank’s longer-term expectations, the moderated pace contributed to a marginally positive sentiment in equity markets. The FTSE 100 moved higher following the release of this data, reflecting the broader market’s response to stabilising macroeconomic conditions.

Pharmaceutical Stocks Weaken on Trade Comments

Pharma companies listed on the London Stock Exchange experienced notable declines. GSK (LON:GSK) and AstraZeneca (LON:AZN), both constituents of the FTSE 100, traded lower after recent remarks from the U.S. administration regarding potential import tariffs on pharmaceuticals. Statements from U.S. leadership emphasized a preference for reshoring drug manufacturing, which impacted sentiment across global pharmaceutical equities.

Multinational Health Firms Experience Volatility

Other global players such as Roche (LON:0QQ6), Sanofi (EPA:SASY), and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (NSE:SUN) also saw their shares decline. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (NYSE:RDY), which operates internationally, joined the list of pharmaceutical companies experiencing negative price action. Market participants reacted to commentary suggesting a shift in U.S. trade policy that could affect cross-border pharmaceutical flows.

Consumer and Retail Segment Mixed

Outside the healthcare sector, companies like Unilever (LON:ULVR) remained relatively stable. Ocado Group (LON:OCDO), focused on grocery retail and logistics, experienced a downward trend in its share movement. Meanwhile, AO World (LON:AO), active in online consumer electronics, also reported a decline in performance on the day.

Index Movement Across Europe

Other European indices like the CAC 40 in France and the DAX in Germany registered declines, in contrast to the slight upward movement in the FTSE 100. The broader FTSE market reflected measured gains as traders absorbed macroeconomic indicators while monitoring ongoing geopolitical and trade developments.

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