The FTSE 100 traded flat to lower on Wednesday, weighed down by corporate updates and a drop in gold prices that pressured precious metal producers. AB Foods fell roughly 2.5% after warning that its sugar division suffered further deterioration from the Middle East conflict, even as plans to spin off fashion retailer Primark progressed. Also, Fresnillo was down 2.1%, and Endeavour was falling 0.8% on lower gold prices. On the other hand, defense heavyweights provided a crucial upside buffer, with aerospace company BAE Systems up 0.8%, submarine contractor Babcock rising over 2%, and engine-maker Rolls-Royce up over 1%. AstraZeneca and GSK were also up around 0.3-0.7%. On the macroeconomic front, Nationwide reported that UK house prices remained flat on a monthly basis in June, missing growth expectations. However, the annualized housing rate rose 2.2%, supported by a brighter market outlook as anticipated Bank of England interest rate hikes began to soften.