FTSE 100 Rises 1%

2026-04-30 11:39 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

The FTSE 100 rose more than 1% on Thursday, supported by strong corporate updates, with Standard Chartered up 3.8% after record profit, Unilever gaining 1.6% on resilient emerging market sales, Rolls-Royce surging 7% on a solid outlook, and Glencore adding 1.6% on improved trading performance.

Also, the Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75%, in line with expectations.

Policymakers said rates are in a “reasonable place” and reiterated that they “stand ready” to act if needed to keep inflation aligned with the 2% target over the medium term.

The guidance was largely unchanged, with officials stressing continued vigilance over inflation risks linked to energy prices.

Chief Economist Huw Pill was the only member to vote for a hike, arguing that a “prompt but modest” increase could help guard against inflation pressures from the energy shock.

Following the decision, traders scaled back expectations for near-term rate hikes.



News Stream
FTSE 100 Rises 1%
The FTSE 100 rose more than 1% on Thursday, supported by strong corporate updates, with Standard Chartered up 3.8% after record profit, Unilever gaining 1.6% on resilient emerging market sales, Rolls-Royce surging 7% on a solid outlook, and Glencore adding 1.6% on improved trading performance. Also, the Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75%, in line with expectations. Policymakers said rates are in a “reasonable place” and reiterated that they “stand ready” to act if needed to keep inflation aligned with the 2% target over the medium term. The guidance was largely unchanged, with officials stressing continued vigilance over inflation risks linked to energy prices. Chief Economist Huw Pill was the only member to vote for a hike, arguing that a “prompt but modest” increase could help guard against inflation pressures from the energy shock. Following the decision, traders scaled back expectations for near-term rate hikes.
2026-04-30
FTSE 100 Trades Cautiously Higher Ahead BoE
The FTSE 100 traded flat to higher on Thursday ahead of the Bank of England rate decision, outperforming weaker European peers as gains in energy stocks helped offset broader losses. Shell and BP provided support as Brent crude surged to a wartime high of $126 following reports that the US may consider further military action in Iran, heightening inflation concerns ahead of key central bank meetings. The Federal Reserve held rates steady, though divisions among policymakers are growing amid uncertainty tied to the Middle East conflict. The BOE is expected to keep rates at 3.75%, though markets now price multiple hikes later this year. Standard Chartered rose 0.5% after reporting record profit, while Unilever gained 0.3% on stronger underlying sales, driven by emerging markets despite currency headwinds. Rolls-Royce jumped 2.8% after a solid update and steady guidance, and Glencore added 0.9% on upbeat trading outlook.
2026-04-30
The FTSE 100 Index Opens 0.06% Higher
The FTSE 100 Index is gaining 6 points or 0.06 percent on Thursday. Leading the gains are United Utilities (11.32%), Severn Trent (5.40%) and Endeavour (3.84%). Top losers are Weir (-6.56%), Whitbread (-5.62%) and DCC (-4.76%).
2026-04-30