The FTSE 100 slipped 4.73 points to 7,406.45 in early trading Thursday. The FTSE 250 also dropped 10.04 points to 17,856.30 as the AIM All-Share dipped 0.78 points to 700.90.
The falls follow data showing China’s consumer price index down 0.2% year-on-year in October, highlighting ongoing efforts to boost still lacklustre demand.
Oil majors Shell and BP sank 0.5% and 0.9% respectively. Gambling firm Flutter Entertainment plunged 10% as its outlook disappointed amid favourable sports results for punters.
Flutter now expects full-year US revenue of around £3.75 billion and earnings of £140 million. It sees group revenue at the bottom of its £1.44-£1.6 billion guidance.
Retailer B&M also shed 4.7% as it reported first-half revenue up 10% to £2.55 billion and pretax profit 11% higher at £222 million. It noted trading momentum has accelerated in recent weeks.
In contrast, AstraZeneca climbed 2.9% as the pharmaceutical company lifted guidance on the back of a stronger third quarter. It also announced an obesity drug licensing deal.
Used car website Auto Trader motored 6.8% higher as it posted a 12% jump in first-half revenue to £280.5 million and a 10% rise in pretax profit to £162.8 million.
Among mid-caps, Wizz Air descended 6.3% on Middle East capacity cuts while insurer Lancashire Holdings soared 10% on a $169 million capital return.
Marketing group S4 Capital crashed 8.5% as it cut guidance on extended client sales cycles and technology sector caution. It now sees a 10-11% full-year profit margin.