The FTSE 100 in the U.K. experienced a slight decline shortly after noon on Monday, reflecting a mixed performance among stocks in a cautious trading environment as investors assess the most recent national and regional economic data. The FTSE 100 experienced a decline of 9.91 points, representing a decrease of 0.1%, settling at 9,710.60 shortly after noon. Mining companies’ shares performed exceptionally well. Fresnillo experienced an increase exceeding 5%, while Anglo American Plc, Endeavour Mining, and Glencore saw rises of 2.5%, 2.35%, and 2.1%, respectively. Antofagasta increased by 1.3%, whereas Rio Tinto rose by nearly 1%. Reckitt Benckiser experienced an increase of approximately 2.1%. GSK, Imperial Brands, Unilever, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Rentokil Initial, Diageo, and Haleon recorded significant increases.

Melrose Industries, a significant entity in the aerospace and defense sector, experienced a decline of 5.6% following the appointment of Ross McCluskey as its new CFO. BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Holdings, Babcock International, 3i Group, WPP, BT Group, St. James’s Place, Smith & Nephew, Informa, and RightMove experienced declines ranging from 1.4% to 2.8%. EasyJet experienced a decline of over 1% following the announcement of the completion of software updates on its A320 aircraft family over the weekend.

Among the other notable losers were Aviva, IAG, ICG, Barrat Redrow, Ashtead Group, Metlen Energy & Metals, and Howden Joinery. Data indicated that the UK Manufacturing PMI increased to 50.2 in November 2025, up from 49.7 in October. This confirms preliminary estimates and represents the first reading above the neutral 50.0 threshold since September 2024.

Output has expanded for the second consecutive month, bolstered by robust domestic demand and a less severe drop in export orders, while new orders have stabilized after a 13-month period of contraction. Business optimism has reached a nine-month peak, as 56% of manufacturers anticipate increased output in the coming year, according to the data.