The FTSE 100 advanced about 0.5% on Friday, driven by robust gains in mining stocks. Glencore rose more than 3%, Anglo American climbed nearly 3%, and both Antofagasta and Fresnillo added over 2%. Endeavour Mining also gained around 2%.
United Utilities edged up 0.6% after the water company reported that its operational performance remained in line with expectations and that it is seeking backing for £1 billion of investment in its network.
In contrast, oil majors weighed on the index, with BP losing more than 2% and Shell falling over 1%. Crude prices retreated as markets balanced the prospect of a US-Iran truce against concerns that escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia might disrupt supplies from the key Middle Eastern producer.
On the data front, UK consumer confidence improved for a third consecutive month, according to GfK, though the survey still pointed to ongoing caution among households. For the week, the FTSE 100 was up around 0.7%.
