The FTSE 100 closed about 0.8% firmer at 8,320 on Thursday, its highest since early December, bolstered by strong gains in the mining sector, with copper prices driving increases in Antofagasta, Anglo American, and Rio Tinto. Gold miners also saw a boost from a surge in gold prices, with Fresnillo, Hochschild, and Endeavour all rising. On the downside, Marks & Spencer was the biggest loser, slumping over 8%, despite reporting a 6.4% increase in UK third-quarter like-for-like sales, driven by stronger-than-expected performance during the key Christmas period. Tesco was also lower even as it reported a solid uptick in sales growth over the key Christmas trading period, and posted its highest market share in eight years. B&M dropped despite reporting a 2.8% year-on-year revenue increase in the third quarter, while Greggs fell after announcing it surpassed £2bn in sales for 2024 but saw a slowdown in like-for-like sales growth in the fourth quarter.
The main stock market index in the United Kingdom (GB100) increased 147 points or 1.79% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United Kingdom. Historically, the United Kingdom Stock Market Index (GB100) reached an all time high of 8478.70 in May of 2024. United Kingdom Stock Market Index (GB100) - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on January 9 of 2025.
The main stock market index in the United Kingdom (GB100) increased 147 points or 1.79% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Stock Market Index (GB100) is expected to trade at 8047.98 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 7684.28 in 12 months time.