The FTSE 100 ended the week firmly higher on Friday, supported by stronger-than-expected UK private-sector activity and a surge in precious and industrial metal prices.
London’s blue-chip index gained 68.40 points, or 0.6%, to 10,816.56, leaving it 0.6% higher for the week. The FTSE 250 advanced 0.9% to 24,718.82, while the AIM All-Share gained 1.0% to 811.96.
UK economic data provided some encouragement after the S&P Global flash composite PMI rose to a four-month high of 52.5 in August, ahead of expectations of 51.6. Services activity strengthened to a six-month high of 52.8, although manufacturing eased to 51.5.
Retail and government finances were less encouraging. Retail sales volumes fell 0.5% month-on-month in July, while public-sector net borrowing of £1.8 billion came in considerably above expectations.
Mining stocks provided some of the strongest support as commodity prices climbed. Gold surged above $4,600 an ounce, while silver and copper also advanced. Antofagasta jumped 5.4%, Endeavour Mining gained 4.1% and Anglo American rose 2.6%.
Goldman Sachs said increased demand for gold call options could amplify further price moves and sees significant upside risk to its $4,900-an-ounce end-2026 forecast, while warning that volatility could increase in both directions.
Oil prices remained elevated, with Brent crude reaching $94.08 a barrel, while government bond yields moved higher again as concerns over US borrowing and inflation persisted.
Among individual stocks, JD Sports rebounded 5.6% following Thursday’s profit-warning-driven sell-off. Berenberg said it remained constructive on the retailer’s recovery prospects if consumer and footwear product cycles improve.
On the FTSE 250, Gamma Communications surged 12% following takeover interest, while Domino’s Pizza gained 5.2% after an upgrade from Shore Capital.
Hunting fell 14% after cutting its 2026 EBITDA guidance, citing delays to tendering caused by the Middle East conflict.
