The FTSE 100, the index of the UK's top 100 listed companies, climbed to a new closing record this week.
This surge was primarily fueled by renewed investor optimism surrounding a potential peace deal in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Following talks between US and European leaders, the market reacted positively to the prospect of an end to the conflict, which has been a source of significant geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The positive momentum was also supported by encouraging sales figures from major UK retailers, which helped to offset broader concerns about the domestic economy.
While the index experienced some volatility and a slight dip following the UK's inflation data release, the overall trend for the week was positive.
This performance highlights the FTSE 100's resilience and its sensitivity to global political developments.
The rise was also influenced by some specific corporate news, with strong performances from companies like JD Sports and Marks & Spencer helping to lift the wider index.
The record high is a welcome sign for investors, but analysts caution that the market remains susceptible to both domestic economic pressures and international political shifts.
Shares in UK power company Drax Group PLC fell sharply after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) initiated a probe into the firm's accounting practices regarding its 'renewable' fuel sources.
UK retail stocks, including major names like Associated British Foods (Primark) and Kingfisher, experienced a sell-off following a bearish note from Deutsche Bank about a slowdown in discretionary spending.
Timber and materials distributor James Latham has reported a rise in revenue, citing strong demand for timber products.
Medical products company Convatec has seen its shares surge after announcing a new share buyback program of up to $300 million.
Fishing tackle and equipment retailer Angling Direct has reported a stronger-than-expected first-half trading performance, boosted by a solid UK performance.
UK inflation has unexpectedly accelerated to 3.8% in July, primarily driven by rising food, fuel, and airfare costs.
UK inflation has unexpectedly accelerated to 3.8% in July, primarily driven by rising food, fuel, and airfare costs.
Despite earlier predictions of a fall, UK households are now being warned that their energy bills are expected to rise from October.
Nanoco Group has stated that it expects to exceed market forecasts for revenue, a positive signal for the London-listed technology company.
Revolution Beauty has issued a profit warning, stating that its adjusted EBITDA will be lower than expected after a revision to its stock provisions.
Revolution Beauty has issued a profit warning, stating that its adjusted EBITDA for the last financial year will be significantly lower than initially forecast.
London stocks rose on hopes that a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine war is on the horizon, boosting investor confidence.
The boss of flexible office group IWG has dismissed a 17% fall in the company's share price, calling it 'not rational' and blaming 'machine selling'.
The CEO of flexible office group IWG has dismissed a recent 17% fall in the company's share price, attributing the decline to 'machine selling' by automated trading systems.
Analysts at Berenberg have increased their target price on the bookmaker Entain, stating that the group's valuation remains 'attractive'.
Shares in JD Sports surged after Deutsche Bank raised its price target on the stock, citing the company's strong performance and growth potential.
A new survey reveals that tenants in England are spending an 'unaffordable' 36% of their income on rent, highlighting the country's severe housing affordability crisis.
The average asking price for a UK property has fallen by 1.3% in August, as sellers price their homes more competitively during a typical summer dip.
Construction giant Balfour Beatty has reported a lift in profits and is optimistic about a boost from its UK construction projects.
New data reveals a 'heartbreaking' trend with more than 200 pubs across the UK closing their doors in just the last six months, highlighting the severe challenges facing the hospitality sector.
Construction and infrastructure giant Balfour Beatty has reported a lift in its profits, citing a strong performance from its UK-based construction and infrastructure projects.
UK homebuilder Bellway has warned that its ability to meet housing demand is being hindered by 'frustrating' planning delays from local councils.
Britain's economy grew by 0.3% in the second quarter, a slowdown from the first quarter but better than anticipated by market analysts.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to make boosting the UK's productivity a key focus of her upcoming Autumn Budget.
An explainer has been published on 'Pisces', a potential new UK stock market that could provide an alternative to the London Stock Exchange's main market.
The FTSE 100 briefly set a fresh intraday high on Friday and looked set for weekly gains, even as defence stocks lagged.
UK's main stock index slips 0.42% post-record close, led by Standard Chartered loss and retail woes.
London’s blue-chip index set a record close as defence and financial stocks advanced after UK growth surprised on the upside.
UK economy grew 0.3% in Q2 2025, beating expectations amid tariff and jobs headwinds.
The UK economy expanded by 0.3% in Q2 2025, outpacing expectations and easing recession fears.
