The London Stock Exchange's benchmark index FTSE 100 fell to a four-week low on Wednesday, weighed down by notable losses in top pharma stocks. The mood in the market remained cautious amid persisting concerns about a lack of progress in Iran peace talks.
Investors also awaited monetary policy announcements from the Federal Reserve (due later today), and the European Central Bank and Bank of England, tomorrow.
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Market Analysis
May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.