UK Stock Market Today: FTSE 100 Struggles for Direction as AstraZeneca Rises and Oil Keeps Pressure High
The FTSE 100 edged up 0.1% to 9,978.89 by 0825 GMT after a sharp 1.3% drop on Thursday. UK retail sales fell 0.4% in February and consumer confidence hit an 11-month low in March. AstraZeneca shares gained following positive COPD trial results. Brent crude held above $107 a barrel.