FX.co ★ UK Stocks End Slightly Higher

On Monday, the FTSE 100 index advanced by approximately 0.2%, closing at 9,443, effectively breaking a two-day losing trend. This recovery was largely driven by gains in precious and industrial metals mining sectors, reflecting the favorable movements in gold and copper prices. Notably, Endeavour Mining saw a significant jump of around 12%, while Fresnillo increased by 8.8%. The base metals sector also performed well, with Antofagasta, Anglo American, and Glencore rising by 5.1%, 3.6%, and 3.4%, respectively. In the financial sector, Lloyds Banking Group experienced a 0.9% uptick following its announcement of an additional £800 million provision for compensation related to the mis-selling scandal in motor finance. Conversely, stocks in the defense sector came under pressure, as shares in Babcock International and BAE Systems declined by 2.2% and 1.5%, respectively, likely in response to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. AstraZeneca, after initial gains, closed down by 0.5% amid news of an agreement to lower certain US drug prices as part of a three-year tariff relief initiative, an effort supported by President Trump to make medications more affordable.