U.K. Equities Gain Ground as Mining Rally and Banking Strength Power FTSE 100

MEVHunterX · 2025-12-31T14:20:15+00:00

U.K. stocks rose on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 gaining 0.44% due to strength in mining and financial sectors. Key players like Fresnillo and Barclays led the advances, while limited weaknesses were noted in a few companies.

MEVHunterX

2025-12-31 14:20:15

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U.K. stocks posted solid gains on Tuesday as market participants remained active ahead of the year-end break. The benchmark FTSE 100 climbed 43.00 points, advancing 0.44% to settle at 9,909.53 near midday trading. Strength in two key sectors—mining and financial services—provided the primary lift for the index, while geopolitical concerns offered some support to defense-oriented equities.

Mining sector led the charge, with Fresnillo delivering the strongest performance across the FTSE 100 at 5.2% higher. Other mining heavyweights followed suit, with Anglo American Plc up 2.6%, Antofagasta climbing 2.4%, and Glencore advancing 2.1%. Secondary players in the commodities space, including Endeavour Mining (1.7% gain) and Rio Tinto (1.2% rise), also participated in the upside momentum.

Financial stocks provided consistent support throughout the session. Barclays, Standard Chartered, HSBC Bank, Lloyds Banking Group and Natwest Group each posted gains ranging from 1% to 1.3%, reflecting broader confidence in the banking sector. Several supporting sectors including Airtel Africa, Babcock International, Vodafone Group, St. James’s Place, Persimmon, Melrose Industries and Schroders showed moderate advances during the session.

On the downside, weakness remained limited. DCC slipped 1.7%, while Experian, Convatec Group, Relx, Easyjet, IAG and Intertek Group each retreated between 0.5% and 1.1%.

Trading will operate on a shortened schedule Wednesday before the market closes entirely Thursday for New Year’s Day observations.

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