However, upbeat corporate results improved investor sentiment this morning, sending the blue-chip index up 0.8%.
Bunzl was up 1.6% after it raised its annual dividend and posted a higher full-year earnings, while Associated British Foods climbed 1.5% after raising its guidance for the full year 2022-23, as consumer spending proved more resilient than expected.
Higher oil prices also boosted majors such as BP Plc and Shell.
Things to read today:
US companies say it is easier to hire despite low jobless rate (Financial Times)
Lab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says (WSJ)