The FTSE 100 rose 0.5% to climb above 10,600 on Wednesday, setting another record high as softer UK inflation reinforced expectations of Bank of England interest rate cuts and lifted equities. Inflation slowed to 3%, its lowest level since March 2025, driven by declines in petrol, airfares, food and education costs, bolstering hopes for a looser monetary policy stance.
Defence stocks led the advance following strong earnings updates. BAE Systems gained around 4% after reporting higher revenue, orders and profit, while Babcock added 3% and Rolls-Royce rose 1.9%. Miners also moved higher alongside rising metals prices. Glencore climbed 2.6% after posting results that beat expectations despite a drop in annual profit. Antofagasta and Anglo American both added more than 1%, while Fresnillo and Endeavour Mining edged up as precious metals prices strengthened.
