FX.co ★ UK Stocks Edge Up

The UK's FTSE 100 index saw a slight rise on Wednesday, approaching the 8,470 mark, as investors evaluated a series of corporate earnings reports and economic indicators from both the UK and the US. In local economic developments, Nationwide revealed that UK house prices fell by a larger-than-anticipated 0.6% in March, representing the most significant decline in almost two years, although prices were still 3.4% higher compared to the previous year. Smith & Nephew led the market gains with a 6% increase, following the reaffirmation of its 2025 financial outlook, despite anticipating a net impact of $15–$20 million due to US tariffs. Additionally, Coca-Cola and GSK reported earnings that surpassed expectations. Barclays announced a 19% boost in first-quarter 2025 profits, exceeding forecasts, primarily driven by strong results from its investment banking sector.