Britain’s FTSE 100 experienced a modest increase on Thursday, buoyed by financial stocks as investors awaited crucial US inflation data and UK GDP figures this week, which may shed light on the economic outlook.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose 0.58% to 10,614.30 points by 1044, while the midcap FTSE 250 climbed 0.21%.
- Oil prices declined 0.7% to $104.50 a barrel; US President Donald Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement to cease attacks on each other’s energy facilities.
- Financial heavyweight HSBC Holdings is shifting pay to performance-based bonuses from fixed salaries, source reported.
- Financial stocks show a notable performance among the top gainers: HSBC Holdings, Standard Life, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, NatWest, and Standard Chartered have recorded gains ranging from 1.2% to 1.9%.
- Limiting the gains, exhibitions group Informa opens new tab, falling 3%, while telecom services company Vodafone opens new tab, slipping 1.4%.
- Shares of recruiter Hays dip 6.7% to their lowest since August 6 after the 14th straight net fee drop.
- BP opens new plans to restart production at its Na Kika and Thunder Horse platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, three days after suspending operations due to Hurricane Isaias.
- Data analytics and consulting company GlobalData opens new tab rise 3.9% after the source reported, opens new tab founder and CEO Mike Danson is considering a sale of its core divisions.
- Investors are anticipating US inflation data set to be released later this week, which may provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory.
- Market participants also anticipated UK GDP estimates for August, scheduled for release on Thursday, seeking additional insights into the economy’s health.
- Attention was also on Bank of England Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden’s speech for indications on the interest-rate trajectory.
