The FTSE 100 notched a record closing high on Thursday, extending a run of gains as investors digested stronger-than-expected UK GDP and a supportive global backdrop.
Defence names and financials led the advance, while the FTSE 250 slipped slightly as domestically focused shares lagged the globally diversified heavyweights.
Sentiment was also aided by milder US inflation data earlier in the week, which bolstered expectations for a Federal Reserve cut in September and lifted risk assets worldwide.
The fresh high continues a 2025 theme in which London’s market performance has decoupled from a tepid domestic economy, reflecting the FTSE 100’s significant overseas earnings exposure, a weaker trade-weighted pound earlier in the year, and sector composition skewed to energy, miners and financials.
For UK savers and pension funds, the record close is a reminder of the importance of equity allocation and diversification after years of subdued domestic listings.
For policy makers, it underscores calls to deepen the UK’s capital markets through pension reform, listing rule changes and efforts to lure high-growth firms, themes that have intensified ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Near term, traders will watch whether the index can build on the breakout if US-UK rate divergence narrows and sterling continues to firm.
The FTSE 100 index reached a new closing high, boosted by hopes of a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and strong performance from retailers.
London stocks rose on hopes that a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine war is on the horizon, boosting investor confidence.
A US lawmaker’s call for a probe into Standard Chartered pressured London-listed financials late in the week.
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.
A Europe-wide equity advance lifted financials after earnings beats and benign macro prints.
The pound strengthened this week as traders priced Fed easing and reassessed BoE cuts after resilient UK growth.
UK equities advanced as softer US inflation buoyed risk assets, though domestically focused names underperformed.
UK stocks hit new highs as investors shake off trade worries; inflation and unemployment rise.
The FTSE 100 reached a record high, driven by optimism over a US-EU trade deal and strong corporate earnings.
Londoners are purchasing the lowest proportion of houses outside the capital in over a decade due to stalling local prices and the shift back to office working.
FTSE 100 property developer Berkeley Group has warned of a housing slowdown in London, forecasting further decline unless the government addresses regulatory and tax hurdles.
Amazon offers 45% discount on L'Oreal Paris Laser Renew Anti-Ageing Triple Action Eye Cream.
UK borrowing costs for 30-year debt reached 5.72%, a 27-year high, raising fears of economic decline.
Poundland plans to close up to 68 stores in 2025 following financial difficulties and restructuring.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the autumn budget for November 26, aiming to address a £30 billion deficit with growth measures.
Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a strong warning against criminals who use his name and deepfake technology in 'disgraceful' online adverts to scam vulnerable people, after a woman's husband lost thousands of pounds.
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The UK's long-term borrowing costs have reached a 27-year high, fueling speculation about the government's economic credibility and the future of Chancellor Rachel Reeves following a significant government reshuffle.
Experts caution that Premium Bonds winnings may lead to unexpected tax bills depending on how they’re used.
McVitie’s introduces a new caramel-flavoured Penguin biscuit available in major UK supermarkets just in time for autumn.
Despite a wider trend of decreasing car insurance premiums in the UK, a new report indicates that prices for drivers under the age of 25 have seen a recent increase.
A major government reshuffle has fueled speculation about the future of Chancellor Rachel Reeves as the UK's long-term borrowing costs reach a 27-year high amidst broader European economic uncertainty.
The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an estimated $1.3 billion after no one won the top prize in the latest drawing, marking the 41st consecutive drawing without a winner and setting up the fifth-largest jackpot in the lottery's history.
Greggs has introduced a £5 meal deal nationally along with new autumn-inspired menu items including Chicken Fajita Bake and Pumpkin Spice specials.
Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a powerful warning against online criminals who use his name and deepfake technology in 'disgraceful' adverts to scam vulnerable people, after a woman's husband lost thousands of pounds.
New data reveals councils increasingly use one-off cash incentives to persuade private landlords to accept homeless households, costing taxpayers millions.
Councils are spending millions placing homeless families in hotels due to housing shortages, raising questions about long-term policy failures.
Clase Azul is a premium Reposado Tequila that is as famous for its elegant, hand-painted ceramic decanters as it is for its contents.
Formula 1's elite showcase their extravagant maritime lifestyles with multi-million pound yacht collections, from Toto Wolff's €22m vessel to Charles Leclerc's twin boats.
