Should I sell my investments when the FTSE falls?

Generally no. Selling during a market dip locks in losses. Long-term investors are better off staying invested or using the dip as a buying opportunity.

How does the FTSE 100 affect my pension?

If your pension is invested in a fund tracking the FTSE 100 or similar, a 1% fall reduces the value temporarily. Over 10+ years, these short-term falls are typically recovered and exceeded.

News & Guides ⏱ 2 min read min read 📅 Updated Apr 2026

FTSE 100 Falls 48 Points Today — Should You Be Worried About Your Investments?

The FTSE 100 dropped 48 points today amid Middle East tensions and oil price rises. Here's what it means for UK investors, pension holders and what to do.

Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor, Kaeltripton

Published 3 Apr 2026

Last reviewed 3 Apr 2026

✓ Fact-checked

FTSE 100 Falls 48 Points Today — Should You Be Worried About Your Investments?

Markets — April 3, 2026

April 3, 2026 — London

The FTSE 100 fell 47.96 points (−0.46%) to 10,316 in early trading today, with the FTSE 250 down 1.12% and AIM stocks off 1.69%. The falls are driven by rising oil prices, Middle East uncertainty, and concern about the UK economic outlook after growth was downgraded to just 0.7% for 2026.

Why Is the FTSE Falling?

Oil surging past $112 raises costs for energy-intensive FTSE companies
Middle East conflict creating broad investor risk-off sentiment
UK growth downgraded to 0.7% by OECD — weakest in G7
Consumer confidence at -21, lowest reading in months
Global markets nervous ahead of US economic data releases

What Does This Mean for Your Pension?

Most UK workplace pensions are invested in funds that track or include FTSE stocks. A 0.5–1% daily fall is normal market volatility — do not panic sell. If you are more than 10 years from retirement, short-term market falls are irrelevant to your long-term outcome.

Distance from Retirement	How to React to a 1% Market Fall
10+ years away	Ignore it — buy more if you can
5–10 years away	Review allocation — consider reducing equity exposure
1–5 years away	Check your glide path — should be reducing risk already
At retirement	Drawdown strategy matters more than daily moves

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

Market dips can be buying opportunities for long-term investors. The FTSE 100 at 10,316 is still significantly above its 2023 levels. For ISA investors, a falling market means you buy more units for the same money — pound cost averaging works in your favour. See our Best Stocks & Shares ISA UK 2026 guide.

Bottom line: A 0.5% daily fall in the FTSE 100 is not a crisis — it's normal. Long-term investors should stay calm and stay invested. If you're near retirement, now is a good time to review your allocation with a financial adviser. For ISA investors, falling markets are an opportunity to buy more cheaply.