FTSE 100 Climbs: Mining Stocks Fall, Experian Gains

The FTSE 100 has gained 0.2% on Friday morning, supported by corporate updates, while broader European markets also gained. Germany’s DAX has advanced 0.9% and France’s CAC 40 has risen 0.4%.

Experian is the index’s top performer after the company announced a $1 billion share repurchase program. The global data and technology group said it “continues to trade strongly” and expects to end the financial year in a solid leverage position, enabling continued investment alongside the return of excess capital to shareholders. The stock climbed 3.3%.

Mining shares dragged on the index as precious metals retreated sharply from recent highs. Spot gold declined more than 5% to $5,061, while spot silver tumbled over 11% to roughly $102.11. Endeavour Mining slumped 5.9%, Fresnillo dropped 5.5% and Antofagasta declined 4.3%.

Smith & Nephew and Lloyds Banking Group were among the other notable risers, up 2.4% and 2.3% respectively.

AAF shares were down 3.2% after the company reported third-quarter results, with revenues of $4,667 million, a 24.6% increase in constant currency and 28.3% in reported terms.

The firm said strong strategic execution lifted constant currency revenue growth to 24.7% for the quarter, with currency appreciation pushing reported growth to 32.9%.

In the pharmaceutical sector, AstraZeneca said it had strengthened its weight-management portfolio through a new strategic collaboration with China’s CSPC Pharmaceuticals.

The agreement covers the development of multiple next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes across eight programs.