The FTSE 100 fell as the markets opened, failing to rack up a fourth consecutive day of gains.
This was after RICS data showed the UK housing market continued stabilising in February, with fewer reports of falling prices being recorded and enquiries remaining positive.
Among companies, AstraZeneca grabbed headlines with a US$1.05 billion takeover of France’s Amolyt Pharma, which will boost its rare disease arm.
Trainline soared meanwhile, having unveiled a one-fifth jump in sales to £5.3 billion for the year to February, thanks to a reduction in the number of strikes in the UK.
Safety products group Halma was also among those updating, with a pre-results release leaving guidance unchanged but noting progress on the back of eight acquisitions this year.