UK Stocks Extend Losses

2025-12-16 15:01 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

London's FTSE 100 extended early losses to close 0.7% lower at 9,685 on Tuesday, as traders weighed the latest economic data while also eyeing positive geopolitical developments.

US jobs growth beat forecasts in November, while unemployment increased, fueling bets on further Fed cuts.

Meanwhile, the UK’s private sector surprised on the upside, expanding for the eighth consecutive month in December and at a quicker pace.

Sector-wise, defense stocks saw the biggest losses amid optimism surrounding Ukraine peace talks.

Babcock International, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce Holdings fell 3.6%, 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively.

BP (-3.4%) and Shell (-2.7%) were also down amid falling oil prices and news that Shell’s mergers chief left after management blocked a BP takeover.

On the flip side, Easyjet outperformed with a 3.2% gain on plunging oil prices.

Endeavour Mining (2.9%) and Fresnillo (2.4%) also advanced, amid rising prices of precious metals, particularly gold and silver.



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