The FTSE 100 Index Closes 1.25% Higher

The FTSE 100 rose 1.4% on Wednesday after a 0.7% gain in the previous session, extending its rebound on easing oil prices and hopes of a de-escalation in Middle East tensions. The index booked a second straight day of gains as crude fell below $100 per barrel for the first time since Monday, helping to calm inflation concerns. Banks and miners are leading gains. HSBC Holdings rose more than 2%, Lloyds Banking added 1.9% and Barclays gained 2.3%. Endeavour advanced over 4%, Fresnillo almost 3% and Anglo American 3.3%. AstraZeneca and GSK rose 1.9% and 3.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, UK inflation held steady at 3% in February, though the data is seen as outdated as it predates the recent escalation in the Middle East.

The FTSE 100 Index rose 124 points or 1.25 percent on Wednesday to close at 10089 points. Leading the gains are Endeavour (4.12%), Hikma Pharmaceutical (3.91%) and Vistry Group (3.73%).

The FTSE 100 rose 0.9% on Wednesday after a 0.7% gain in the previous session, extending its rebound on easing oil prices and hopes of a de-escalation in Middle East tensions. The index is on track for a second straight day of gains as crude falls below $100 per barrel for the first time since Monday, helping to calm inflation concerns. However, the UK benchmark is lagging broader European markets due to its heavy exposure to energy stocks, with Shell and BP declining alongside oil. Defensive names such as Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever are also lower as investors shift toward riskier assets. Banks and miners are leading gains. Meanwhile, UK inflation held steady at 3% in February, though the data is seen as outdated as it predates the recent escalation in the Middle East.