FTSE 100 Ends Week Higher Despite Flat Friday Session

London’s main stock market index finished Friday little changed, but still managed to secure solid gains over the week as investor confidence was supported by strong corporate earnings and encouraging economic data. The FTSE 100 slipped slightly in the final session after closing at a record high the previous day, reflecting cautious trading rather than a shift in sentiment. Market participants said the index’s weekly advance highlighted resilience across several key sectors, even as some stocks faced short term pressure. The domestically focused FTSE 250 performed slightly better on the day, reaching a five week high and posting stronger weekly gains. Analysts noted that the overall tone in London markets remained constructive, with investors taking comfort from signs that the UK economy is holding up better than expected amid lingering concerns about global growth and geopolitical uncertainty.

Mining stocks were among the biggest drags on the FTSE 100 during the session, as retreating copper prices weighed on sentiment. Shares in major miners such as Glencore and Rio Tinto fell after worries emerged about weakening demand from China, the world’s largest consumer of industrial metals. Precious metal miners also slipped, with several firms posting notable losses on the day. Despite this, resource linked stocks were still among the strongest contributors to the index’s weekly performance, supported earlier in the week by higher gold prices and supply concerns across metals markets. Traders said this reflected how quickly sentiment can shift within the sector as investors respond to changes in global demand signals.

Financial stocks provided a major boost to the market over the week, driven by upbeat earnings updates from asset managers and investment firms. An index tracking investment banking and brokerage services recorded a strong weekly rise, helped by gains in companies including Ashmore Group and Schroders. Stronger than expected economic growth data for November also lifted confidence, easing fears that uncertainty around recent budget plans would weigh heavily on output. Analysts said the figures reinforced the view that parts of the UK economy remain resilient, providing a supportive backdrop for equities despite expectations that interest rates could eventually move lower later in the year.

Defence stocks stood out on Friday, bucking the broader market trend amid renewed geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict in Ukraine. The aerospace and defence sector advanced after Britain pledged additional energy support to Ukraine, with shares in companies such as BAE Systems and Babcock International posting gains. Investors said ongoing global instability continues to underpin demand for defence related stocks, making them an area of relative strength within the London market. As the week closed, traders said attention would now turn to upcoming economic data and corporate results to assess whether the FTSE 100 can extend its recent gains into the weeks ahead.