FTSE 100 falls after Fed minutes, deal talks lift NMC Health

London's FTSE 100 fell on Thursday as minutes of the latest U.S. Federal Reserve meeting provided little clarity on the future course of monetary policy, though NMC Health soared on a report that two firms had offered to buy a stake in the company.

The FTSE 100 fell 0.5% with losses across oil majors, heavyweight miners and financial stocks, after Fed minutes overnight showed policymakers were deeply divided on an interest rate cut. The FTSE 250 shed 0.2% by 0715 GMT.

UAE-based healthcare provider NMC Health surged almost 42% and was tracking its best day ever after sources familiar with the deal said on Tuesday that two groups, including one backed by China's Fosun, were competing to buy a 40% stake in the company worth up to $1.9 billion.