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2025-09-12 18:12:39
[UK Stock Market Bull-Bear Tug-of-War: Expectations of Rate Cuts Fuel Mining Spree, While Economic Stagnation Hides Risks] ⑴ The FTSE 100 rose 0.3% on Friday, marking its second consecutive weekly gain, while the domestically focused FTSE 250 edged down 0.1%, but also closed higher for the week. ⑵ The precious metals mining sector surged 2.5%, with Fresnillo up 2.8%, Endeavour Mining climbing 1.7%, and Hochschild Mining soaring 4.8%. ⑶ The industrial mining sector followed copper prices higher, with Anglo American rising 2.1%, Glencore soaring 3.7%, Antofagasta and Rio Tinto rising 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively. ⑷ The aerospace and defense sector hit a record high, rising 1.1% and posting its biggest weekly gain in six months. BAE Systems and Avon rose 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively. ⑸ Expectations of an impending US Federal Reserve rate cut, surging gold prices, and strong performance in the defense sector all supported the FTSE 100's performance this week. 6. The utilities sector performed positively, with United Utilities, National Grid, and Severn Trent all posting gains. 7. The personal care sector plummeted 3.2%, with Burberry down 3.7%. The healthcare sector dipped slightly by 0.2%, while the retail sector fell 0.4%, with JD Sports Fashion down 2.2%. 8. Online supermarket Ocado plummeted 11.6% after its US partner, Kroger, announced a review of its warehouse investment plans. 9. The UK economy reported zero growth in July, with a sharp drop in factory output. While in line with expectations, this still casts a shadow over the economic outlook ahead of the government's November budget.
