British stocks edged down slightly on Thursday, with the benchmark FTSE 100 Index down 0.27 percent, or 19.65 points, to close at 7,314.96 points.

British insurer Aviva jumped 6.46 percent, the top winner of the blue chips, after it posted better-than-expected profits for 2016.

Capita Plc, London-based company offering business process outsourcing and professional services, advanced 4.67 percent. Admiral Group, a motor insurance company, gained 4.43 percent.

Wm Morrison Supermarkets was the top loser of the blue chips, with its shares tumbling 6.56 percent.

Mining firms Anglo American and Glencore lost 4.61 percent and 3.66 percent, respectively.