The UK’s benchmark FTSE 100 index gained 0.27% to close at 10,600.37 points on Friday, lifted by utility stocks and British American Tobacco. In contrast, the midcap FTSE 250 fell 0.47%, and luxury retailer Burberry shares slid 6.38% following its first-quarter trading update.
The FTSE 100 closed higher after UK economic growth returned in May and ABB’s £4.1bn acquisition of Rotork lifted sentiment across London’s engineering sector. Investors remained cautious as global technology weakness and geopolitical risks continued to influence markets.
The FTSE 100 ended Wednesday’s session slightly lower as weakness in mining stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. Discover what drove today’s performance, the key sectors in focus and what investors should watch next.