FTSE 100 Roundup: UK Top Movers, Inflation, and Market News

London’s FTSE 100 concluded a robust week of trading, with the index’s performance marking its best since May. 

The positive momentum for UK stocks was supported by a diverse mix of mining, retail, and defensive stocks, as well as Thursday’s Purchasing Managers' Index data, which indicated the strongest business activity in the U.K. in a year. 

However, it came despite inflation rising more than expected. Inflation moved to 3.8% in July, exceeding forecasts and reaching its highest level since early 2024.

There was also a mixed bag of corporate news from some of the most prominent companies.

Among the top performers for London-listed stocks in the last week of trading were several well-known brands, with B&M gaining 7.3%, JD Sports up 6.6%, and Standard Chartered climbing 8.5%. 

These gains were partially offset by a few notable fallers, including Rolls-Royce, which fell 2.9%, and Legal & General, down 2.3%.

Other news for UK stocks included:

Marks & Spencer announced a record £340 million investment in its food supply chain, including a new fully automated distribution center in Northamptonshire. 

Engineering group Renishaw saw its shares surge more than 7% on Thursday after stating it expects its annual profit to come in at the top end of its expected range. 

Conversely, WH Smith faced significant pressure, with its share price plunging after a profit warning stemming from an overstatement of projected profits in its North American division. 

Premier Foods announced its acquisition of Merchant Gourmet for £48 million, while trading platform Plus500 commenced a new $90 million share buyback program.