The FTSE 100 rose 0.4% on Friday, rebounding from a seven-week low hit in the previous session, after stronger-than-expected economic data lifted market sentiment. UK GDP grew by 0.4% in July, following 0.3% growth in June, far outpacing economists’ expectations for flat growth and marking the third consecutive month in which activity beat forecasts. The data indicate that the UK economy could prove more resilient than anticipated in the second half of 2026.
Sentiment was further buoyed by easing oil prices, with Brent crude slipping below $105 a barrel and US crude falling under $100, although both benchmarks remain at elevated levels. In the US, a stronger-than-expected core CPI reading reinforced expectations of a possible interest rate increase.
Banks led the advance in London, with HSBC Holdings up 1.4%, Barclays gaining 1.7% and Lloyds Banking Group rising 1.3%. Rolls-Royce added 1.7%, while BAE Systems declined by more than 1%. Despite Friday’s rebound, the FTSE 100 ended the week about 1.7% lower overall.
