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Highlights
FTSE 100 edges higher amid global tech rally and mining gains
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surpasses key level driven by tech momentum
Health and fitness companies, including LSE-listed firms, lead UK growth rankings
The FTSE 100 opened the session with slight, extending momentum from the previous day, as a surge in global technology equities pushed indices in Asia and the US higher. A softer dollar provided a lift to heavyweight mining constituents within the UK benchmark.
Key names in the resources sector such as (LSE:AAL) (Anglo American) saw firm movement, reflecting supportive commodity pricing trends and foreign exchange tailwinds. The index had previously closed with modest gains and entered the day on a positive trajectory aligned with broader market optimism.
Nikkei 225 Strengthens While Hang Seng Lags
The Nikkei 225 in Japan broke above a notable level for the first time since earlier in the year, propelled by strength in large-cap technology shares. The performance was led by companies like Tokyo Electron and SoftBank, which posted solid daily increases.
In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng remained under pressure, closing slightly lower amid muted sentiment in the region. Mainland China’s Shanghai Composite also showed weakness during the session, diverging from the upward momentum seen in Tokyo.
US Indices Drive Confidence in Equities
Wall Street added to recent gains as the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all closed in positive territory. A strong performance from large-cap technology firms, including Nvidia, underpinned confidence across global markets.
With no major economic surprises from the US, investor sentiment remained steady heading into the final trading days of the week.
Health and Wellness Sector Shines in UK Business Growth Rankings
New data from annual UK rankings revealed the prominence of health and wellness brands among the country’s fastest-growing businesses. Glasgow-based DFYNE, known for activewear and lifestyle apparel, secured the top rank in the listing.
Healf, a London-based enterprise retailing wellness products such as supplements, fitness trackers, and sleep-related accessories, was placed second. Both brands operate within sectors aligning with shifting consumer preferences towards health-centric lifestyles.
These companies, although not publicly traded, reflect broader themes also evident across listed names on the FTSE 350 and FTSE AIM UK 50 Index, where wellness-related stocks continue to generate significant interest.
Pound Amid Global Currency Stability
The British pound remained steady near a recent multi-year high, supported by comparative strength against the dollar. Currency markets showed limited volatility ahead of key macroeconomic data later in the week.
The pound’s stability added to favourable conditions for UK-listed multinational firms, especially those generating revenue in foreign currencies. This dynamic offered additional support to sectors like basic materials and energy within the FTSE.
