UK equities ended the session modestly higher after largely flat trading on Thursday, supported by renewed strength in energy and mining stocks.
The FTSE 100 advanced 0.3% to close at 9,720.51, with heavyweight resource names providing much of the upward momentum. The mid-cap FTSE 250 also added just over 0.3% to 22,165.17, although the index remains down 1.42% over the past month, reflecting ongoing pressure on domestically exposed stocks.
In commodities, momentum continued to build, with silver surging to a record high of $55 per ounce. Copper also pushed into fresh territory, climbing 2.5% to reach a new peak of $11,210.50 per tonne, underpinned by tightening supply conditions and robust global demand.
The strength in metals provided a further tailwind for mining shares, reinforcing their role as a key driver of market performance during the session.
While gold prices have climbed to a two-week high and remain on course for a fourth consecutive monthly gain, oil is moving in the opposite direction. Crude prices are set for a fourth straight monthly decline — the longest losing streak in more than two years — as persistent concerns over global oversupply continue to weigh on the market.
