On Thursday, London’s blue-chip index experienced an uptick, driven primarily by financial and commodity stocks, as investors analyzed a varied set of corporate earnings reports. The FTSE 100 rose 0.5% by 1129, following a decline of 0.5% in the previous session. Meanwhile, the domestically focused FTSE 250 edged 0.1% lower. Investment banks and brokerages were among the session’s top performers, with the sector index rising 4%. 3i Group surged 10.5% to lead the FTSE 100, on track for its biggest one-day gain in more than six months after the investment company delivered a strong third-quarter update.
Banking shares rebounded from Wednesday’s losses, and were up 0.9%. Lloyds Banking Group opened new tab rose 1.2% after the bank reported a better-than-expected 12% rise in annual profit. On the trade front, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and China’s President Xi Jinping have celebrated a renewal of relations, committing to establish an economic partnership that includes significant investments from AstraZeneca. The pharmaceutical giant experienced a slight decline in its share value for the day.
In the markets, mining stocks experienced an uptick, as the precious metal miners index rose by 3% to reach a record high, reflecting the strength in gold prices. Industrial metal miners index climbed 3.6% to its highest level in one year. Miner Glencore opens new tab was up 3.8% despite reporting an 11% decline in copper production for 2025, as higher grades and improved recoveries at several mines lifted output in the second half. Energy stocks advanced 1.8%, supported by higher oil prices amid rising concerns that a U.S. strike on Iran could disrupt supply.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at their current levels, aligning with market expectations, as Chair Jerome Powell highlighted a “clearly improving” economic outlook. Global investors are concentrating on a busy earnings calendar this week, examining results from major U.S. technology companies for indications regarding the direction of AI investment. Among other UK stocks, budget airline easyJet dipped 1% after it reported a wider first-quarter loss, impacted by expansion costs and soft winter pricing.