After a bounce late on Thursday the FTSE 100 was just struggling to stay afloat on Friday morning as “investors continue to navigate turbulent and murky waters”, said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
The index is down by 0.39% on Friday morning to 6,992.
“Bitcoin’s extreme volatility this week just added to existing worries like inflation and the pandemic which have impeded equity markets’ progress so far in 2021,” Mould added.
In more positive news for the UK economy, retail sales exceed expectations, highlighting a transition from online to physical shopping.
FTSE 100 Top Movers
Weir Group (1.45%), BT Group (1.13%) and Antofagasta (1.03%) are the top risers on the FTSE 100 on Friday morning.
While at the other end, Kingfisher (-3.30%), British Land Co (-2.57%) and Land Securities Group (-.168%) have lost the most ground.