The FTSE 100 rose 0.7% on Thursday as European equities pushed higher, buoyed by news that the United States will not impose additional tariffs on European allies following a framework deal on Greenland.
The DAX and CAC 40 each advanced 1.2%, while the STOXX 600 gained 1.1%.
London-listed bank stocks traded strongly after the easing of trade tensions. Barclays climbed 2.2%, NatWest gained 1.6% and Lloyds added 1.5%.
Miners lagged the broader market, with gold’s rally pausing. Antofagasta and Rio Tinto are both down 1.8%, while Fresnillo has slipped 1.5%.
Among the FTSE 100’s biggest movers, St James’s Place led the risers with a 2.9% gain, followed by Land Securities at 2.8% and engineering group IMI at 2.7%.
The biggest faller was Beazley, down 3%, with Rio Tinto and Antofagasta also among the day’s weakest performers.
In corporate updates, Associated British Foods reported revenue of £6,759 million for the 16 weeks to Jan. 3, 2026. The figure was in line with estimates published on Jan. 8 and represented a 1% rise at actual currency rates, though revenue declined 1% at constant currency.
B&M European Value Retail revised its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance lower despite stronger December sales. The retailer now expects adjusted EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) between £440 million and £475 million, down from its earlier range of £470 million to £520 million.
The company cited continued investment in pricing, clearing discontinued product lines and ongoing challenges at its Heron Foods division.
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