FX.co ★ UK Stocks Extend Gains

The FTSE 100 index in the UK made further strides on Friday afternoon, rising by more than 1% as it reflected a globally upbeat sentiment. This upward trend was supported by an unexpectedly strong US jobs report, which helped allay fears of an imminent recession in the world's largest economy. The index has now achieved its 15th consecutive session of gains, potentially marking its longest stretch of daily increases. Market confidence was additionally buoyed by optimism about US-China trade negotiations, as Beijing showed readiness to engage with Washington. Meanwhile, investors remained focused on the earnings season. On the corporate side, Shell's shares increased by 2.7% following the announcement of better-than-expected first-quarter profits and a $3.5 billion (£2.6 billion) share buyback initiative. NatWest and Standard Chartered also experienced positive stock movements, spurred by their respective first-quarter earnings announcements. Mining companies like Glencore and Anglo American saw their shares advance in line with rising copper and gold prices. For the week, the FTSE 100 was poised to rise by 2.2%.