The FTSE 100 was flat to slightly higher on Tuesday, attempting to stabilize after ending the previous session down 0.3%. Gains were led by the healthcare sector, where sentiment improved following positive industry news. Novo Nordisk shares rallied after the company received US approval to sell an oral version of its blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy, lifting confidence across the sector. As a result, AstraZeneca rose about 0.7% and GlaxoSmithKline also traded higher, providing support to the index. However, advances were capped by weakness in other heavyweight sectors. Energy stocks lagged as oil prices softened, leaving BP down 0.4% while Shell hovered near flat. The banking sector also weighed on the market, with shares in HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest all trading lower.
