AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
FTSE 100 extended its winning streak despite soft US job data, while the FTSE 250 posted stronger gains.
Industrial metals and defence sectors posted notable advances on Thursday.
Currency movement showed sterling softening against the dollar but stable versus the euro.
London’s financial markets experienced marginal gains on Thursday as the FTSE 100 index posted a small increase, maintaining its multi-session upward streak. The FTSE 250 index recorded comparatively stronger growth, supported by strength across industrial and transport-linked sectors. Meanwhile, broader indices such as the FTSE All-Share and FTSE 350 reflected the general resilience in equities.
The FTSE 100 edged slightly higher during the session, maintaining upward momentum across fourteen consecutive sessions. The FTSE 250 outperformed the benchmark, driven by strength in multiple mid-cap stocks. Additionally, FTSE 350 registered positive movement, underscoring continued breadth in market participation.
Industrial and Mining-Linked Strength
The industrial metals and mining sector posted notable gains. Ferrexpo (LSE:FXPO) led with a robust advance, contributing to broader optimism within the segment. The index tracking industrial metals showed an upward shift, indicating a supportive environment for metal-linked entities.
Industrial transportation also reflected positive sentiment, with firms such as Clarkson (LSE:CKN) experiencing strong price appreciation. The overall uplift within this sector added to the FTSE 250’s relative strength during the session.
Aerospace, Defence, and Utilities
The aerospace and defence sector advanced, underpinned by broad-based movement across its components. This category contributed to upward action across the FTSE 350, helping sustain the ongoing streak in equities.
Gas, water, and multi-utility stocks experienced mild pullbacks. Centrica (LSE:CNA) held firm with a marginal gain, even as the broader segment exhibited softness. This moderation did not offset the upward traction from other categories.
Retail and Travel Activity
The food and drug retail sector also advanced, supporting wider equity benchmarks. Within this space, Greggs (GRG) traded lower despite the sector’s strength. This divergence indicated stock-specific movement rather than a sector-wide retracement.
Travel and leisure stocks contributed positively, with Whitbread (WTB) under pressure while others in the segment added value to broader indices. The FTSE 350 was lifted by gains in various consumer-linked categories, though some names experienced individual weakness.
Banking and Financial Movement
Financial names moved with moderate strength, supported by the banking sector’s subdued yet positive contribution. Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) saw marginal retracement, reflecting cautious movement across some financials. Broader financial indices showed overall stability in Thursday’s trading.
Currency markets showed sterling declining slightly against the US dollar while maintaining parity with the euro. Currency fluctuations did not significantly impact the equity narrative on the day.
Media and Publishing
Media-related stocks registered declines. Informa (INF) traded lower, contributing to downward pressure in the broader media index. This movement came amid mixed sectoral performance across the market, limiting gains in some segments.
Other Movers
Rolls-Royce (RR) continued to trade higher, adding to the industrial uplift. Meanwhile, 4Imprint Group (FOUR) registered gains within its category. Both entities contributed to strength in their respective segments.
Overall, Thursday’s session highlighted resilient equity performance in the face of softer US economic data, with sectoral leadership rotating across mining, transport, and defence segments. Gains across the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 were underpinned by broad participation across mid- and large-cap companies.
