FX.co ★ UK Stocks Snap 4-Day Losing Run

The FTSE 100 edged slightly higher, closing with a modest gain of 0.2% at 9,711 on Thursday, halting a four-day decline. This performance was consistent with trends observed across other European markets. Investors grew more optimistic about the possibility of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week, driven by mild U.S. labor market data. Attention was also directed towards corporate earnings updates. Among the standout performers were personal goods companies, with Burberry and JD Sports Fashion climbing 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively. The aerospace and defense sectors saw continued gains, with Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems increasing by 2.8% and 2.7%, as talks regarding a peace agreement in Ukraine persist. Conversely, Diageo experienced a 3.2% drop after UBS revised its rating to neutral and reduced its price target from £22.50 to £18.50. Utility stocks were under pressure, highlighted by a 1.5% decline in SSE, which traded without dividend rights. In the FTSE 250, Frasers Group fell by 2.7% following its reaffirmation of full-year guidance, accompanied by a cautious outlook for the second half of the year.