The FTSE 100 Index Closes 1.12% Higher

The FTSE 100 Index went up by 117 points or 1.12 percent on Friday to close at 10558 points. The rise was led by Relx (4.82%), Antofagasta (4.58%) and The Sage Group (4.14%).

The UK's FTSE 100 rose further to close about 1.1% up at 10,552 on Friday, its highest since September 30, halting a two-day losing streak. Sentiment improved as oil prices retreated, easing pressure on bond yields, after Trump signalled a pause in potential US military action against Iran ahead of next month's midterm elections and described ongoing talks as “productive”. Software-related stocks were among the best performers, with Relx, Sage Group and Experian rising 4.8%, 4.3% and 4.2%, respectively. Mining stocks also advanced strongly, with Antofagasta surging over 5%, amid firmer prices of copper. Fresnillo rose more than 3%, tracking gains in silver and gold. On the flip side, telecom stocks including Airtel Africa (-6.3%), Vodafone (-4.9%) and BT Group (-2.4%) faced pressure after SpaceX agreed to acquire spectrum to strengthen Starlink Mobile’s US ambitions. For the week, the FTSE 100 rose by 0.9%.

The UK's FTSE 100 rose 0.9% on Friday, halting a two-day decline, led by software and mining stocks, while softer oil prices and some stabilization in bond yields calmed investors. Trump's remarks that the US would not attack Iran before next month's midterm elections, describing talks with Tehran as "productive", helped ease geopolitical concerns. Sage Group and RELX led the gains, rising 4% and 3.2%, respectively. Mining stocks also advanced strongly, with Antofagasta and Fresnillo gaining more than 3% each, supported by firm prices of copper, silver and gold. Tesco (+2.8%) gained following positive reactions from Deutsche Bank and Jefferies to its interim results, published a day earlier, which showed a 6.5% rise in profits and an improved annual outlook. Vodafone Group and Airtel Africa were the laggards, falling 3.8% and 3.4%, respectively, mirroring the broader sector decline across the European telecom sector. For the week, the index was set to gain about 0.7%.