FTSE 250 Gains as Raspberry Pi Rally Continues, THG Climbs

The FTSE 250 rose 0.2% on Thursday, supported by continued strength in Raspberry Pi and gains in THG, even as wider European markets traded lower.

The FTSE 100 declined 0.3%, while Germany’s DAX slipped 0.3% and France’s CAC 40 eased 0.1%. The STOXX 600 fell 0.2%.

Raspberry Pi led the mid-cap index with a further 9% rise, extending a rally of more than 40% over the past week. The surge began after CEO Eben Upton purchased shares in the UK computer-hardware maker, coinciding with growing speculation that its products could benefit from low-cost artificial-intelligence projects.

The move has also tracked social-media enthusiasm around the potential for its single-board computers to power AI agents. The company is valued at roughly £785.86 million.

THG was the second-strongest performer, rising more than 5% after CEO Matthew Moulding significantly increased his personal stake. Moulding’s FIC Shareco Limited acquired 24.4 million ordinary voting shares at 34.93 pence each on Feb. 20.

Ashmore Group also advanced after Jefferies upgraded the stock to buy, citing improving flows, a stronger revenue mix and scope for further re-rating if momentum broadens.

At the bottom of the index, Oxford Biomedica fell 7.5%, adding to a sharp monthly pullback. Unite Group dropped 7.4% after reporting full-year results, while NB Private Equity Partners declined 2.8%.