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%.
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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
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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