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Highlights
Rolls-Royce reaches a new milestone as its shares stay above £9
Marks & Spencer advances alongside consumer and energy stocks
Homebuilders lead FTSE 100 risers amid softer UK labour data
The FTSE 100 index edged closer to its all-time high amid broad-based gains in industrial, retail, energy, and housing sectors. Stocks such as Rolls-Royce Holdings (LSE:RR), Marks & Spencer Group (LSE:MKS), BP (LSE:BP.), and Shell (LSE:SHEL) were key drivers behind the session’s uplift, with further support from the homebuilding segment.
Rolls-Royce establishes firm ground above £9
Rolls-Royce Holdings (LSE:RR.) extended its momentum as the stock maintained levels above £9 for the first time. The engine maker has witnessed consistent upward movement in recent weeks, supported by strength across the aerospace sector. Its shares featured prominently among the FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) top performers during the session.
Retail uplift for Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer Group (LSE:MKS) also contributed to the day’s rise, continuing a strong run this quarter. The company’s performance comes amid improved sentiment in the broader retail sector, as discretionary spending showed resilience despite underlying economic headwinds.
Energy names BP and Shell in focus
Oil majors BP (LSE:BP.) and Shell (LSE:SHEL) posted modest gains, reflecting stable commodity prices and steady upstream operations. These movements added to the broader support for the FTSE 100, which has benefited from consistent performance by energy constituents even in volatile trading sessions.
Diageo and blue-chips add to positive sentiment
Alongside the top movers, beverage leader Diageo (LSE:DGE) posted solid gains. The presence of defensive stocks on the risers’ board underscored diversified strength across the index. Their participation added to the overall buoyancy of the benchmark.
Labour data points to rate change possibilities
Economic data released during the session highlighted weakening conditions in the UK labour market. A marked fall in payrolled employees, the largest since pre-2020 records, combined with slowing wage growth, has reinforced expectations around rate adjustments by the Bank of England. Market watchers have speculated on the likelihood of rate reductions later in the year, potentially impacting borrowing costs.
Housebuilders dominate FTSE 100 risers
The most prominent sectoral movement came from homebuilders. Persimmon (LSE:PSN) led gains, with Barratt Redrow (LSE:BTRW), Taylor Wimpey (LSE:TW.), and Berkeley Group Holdings (LSE:BKG) following closely. Bellway (LSE:BWY), listed in the FTSE 250, released a trading update during the session, showing stable demand in the spring season. This update supported positive sentiment across the sector, helping housebuilding stocks outperform.
Index performance approaches previous highs
The FTSE 100 index (INDEXFTSE:UKX) approached levels last seen in March, driven by cross-sector gains and favourable macroeconomic speculation. The upward trend coincided with optimism over global trade discussions, particularly those between the US and China, and shifting views on the interest rate environment.
