Weak metal prices hit mining stocks
Wizz Air drops on plans to cut aircraft usage
FTSE 100 down 1.0, FTSE 250 off 0.6

July 11 Reuters UK stocks fell on Monday as worries about fresh COVID19 curbs in China and the energy crisis in Europe hurt sentiment, with investors awaiting earnings reports for clues on corporate health.

The bluechip FTSE 100 fell 1 and the domestically focussed FTSE 250 index slid 0.6 after marking weekly gains on Friday.

Mining majors dragged the FTSE 100 lower, with Anglo American, Antofagasta and Glencore down between 2.7 and 3.2 as metal prices fell on news multiple Chinese cities are adopting fresh COVID19 curbs, denting the outlook for demand from the top metals consumer.

While the severe costofliving crisis and political uncertainty darkens the outlook for Britain39;s economy, the FTSE 100 has outperformed its global peers this year due to its exposure to commodity companies, stable defensive sectors and a weakening pound.

The exporterheavy index is down 3.5 so far this year, however, the FTSE midcap index has shed more than 20.

Monthly GDP growth and industrial production data are due to be released in the UK on Wednesday and will likely confirm that the worsening of the economy is already on course, as BoE Governor Andrew Bailey already flagged, Unicredit analysts said in a note.

Bad news on the domestic macro front may drag GBPUSD lower again, making it difficult to hold the 1.20 handle.

Sterling hit a twoyear low at 1.19 per…