FX.co ★ UK Stocks Cautiously Higher

The UK's FTSE 100 index saw slight gains, hovering around 8,415 on Friday, heading for a tenth consecutive session of positive movement. Investors were focused on potential easing of U.S.-China trade tensions and the latest round of corporate earnings reports. Speculation is building around the possibility of China suspending its 125% retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. imports, following earlier indications from the U.S. that tariffs might be significantly lowered, raising hopes for a trade agreement. Domestically, UK retail sales in March surpassed expectations; however, consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level in over a year. In terms of corporate earnings, WPP reported a business slowdown for the first quarter of 2025, but the results met expectations and the company maintained its full-year forecast. Among the top-performing stocks were Melrose Industries, Babcock International Group, Rolls-Royce Holdings, Rentokil Initial, Mondi, and St. James's Place. Meanwhile, Rightmove and Endeavour Mining experienced the largest declines.