FX.co ★ UK Stocks Rise for 2nd Session

The FTSE 100 experienced an uptick on Friday, following a 0.5% increase on Thursday, setting the stage for a positive performance over the week. Leading the charge were pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, which saw their shares rise by 1.6% and 1.9%, respectively. British American Tobacco also posted a gain of 1.4%. This week's investor optimism was fueled by indications of diminishing trade tensions, highlighted by a significant trade agreement between the United States and China. In corporate developments, Land Securities reported a return to profitability for the full year ending March 31, 2025, although its shares fell by 1.5%. Everplay Group announced the resignation of CEO Steve Bell, with Frank Sagnier taking over as Interim Executive Chair. Conversely, gold miners faced challenges due to decreasing bullion prices, with Fresnillo's stock declining by nearly 1%.