The UK’s primary stock indexes experienced a modest increase on Thursday, countering the downturn observed in Asian markets, as robust earnings reports from firms such as Persimmon and WPP bolstered investor sentiment.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose 0.3% to 10,921.64 points by 0942, while the midcap FTSE 250 climbed 0.1% to 24,663.72 points.

• Persimmon climbed 3.6% after the housebuilder forecast annual home deliveries at the top end of its range, while insurer Admiral jumped 4.6% following its first-half results and share buyback announcement.
• Among the midcap stocks, WPP soared 26%, on track for its biggest single-day percentage gain in over three decades, after the ad firm stated that the trajectory had improved in recent months, even as it reported a 4.7% drop in first-half adjusted revenue.
• Asian stocks and U.S. Nasdaq futures faced downward pressure due to ongoing turbulence in the chip sector, while broader European markets reached record highs.
• Oil prices experienced a modest increase amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Iran-Oman negotiations aimed at resolving the five-month conflict between Iran and the United States. Additionally, reports of attacks on Saudi tankers in critical shipping lanes have heightened concerns regarding supply disruptions.
• Investors are poised to analyse the upcoming U.S. non-farm payrolls data on Friday, seeking insights into the robustness of the labour market and the potential direction of interest rates.
• The downturn in Britain’s construction industry eased in July as commercial building and housebuilding weakened less sharply, with builder optimism reaching its highest level since prior to the Iran war, according to a survey conducted by S&P Global.
• An index of British housebuilders added 1.2%.
• Among other movers, real estate investment trust Tritax Big Box REIT dropped 4%, becoming the top decliner in the FTSE 100, after it placed a £350 million share sale at £1.64 a share.
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals experienced a 9% increase following the announcement of a 9% rise in half-year core operating profit, while also reaffirming its annual outlook.