The FTSE 100 traded lower on Thursday, underperforming its European peers as disappointing earnings and muted oil prices weighed on the index. Energy giants BP and Shell fell over 1% amid renewed concerns about a global supply surplus pressuring crude markets. Stocks trading ex-dividend, including GSK (-0.7%) and Sainsbury’s (-4%), also dragged on performance. Private equity firm 3i plunged 10% after reporting slower like-for-like sales growth at Action. Aviva dropped more than 3.5% despite upgraded targets and stronger profits, as investors focused on weakness in its UK general insurance business and signs of softening rates. Rolls-Royce slipped around 1% as it reaffirmed guidance but cited ongoing supply chain issues, even as demand in its Civil Aerospace and Defence divisions remained solid. Meanwhile, GDP data showed the UK economy nearly stalled in Q3, growing just 0.1%, with September output contracting 0.1% amid manufacturing weakness and budget uncertainty.