Stocks mixed as AstraZeneca merger talk dents FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 index experienced a mixed session, ultimately closing down by 10.35 points, representing a 0.1% decrease. The index finished at 10,857.70. This downward movement was influenced by merger talks involving AstraZeneca, which dented the performance of the FTSE 100. The market results reflect the impact of these specific corporate discussions on the broader index, leading to a slight decline in the final closing figures for the trading day.