The FTSE 100 traded higher on Friday, lifted by gains in banks, miners, and major consumer and pharmaceutical stocks, though individual moves were modest. Banks led the way, with Barclays up 1.7%, Standard Chartered 1.3%, and NatWest 0.9%. Miners Rio Tinto, Anglo American, and Antofagasta also gained over 1% each, while Unilever and AstraZeneca rose more than 1% and 0.7%, respectively. In corporate news, JD Sports jumped 6.5% after signs of improving outlook from partner Nike. JD has struggled amid tough conditions in the sportswear sector, worsened by US tariffs on key supplier countries. Despite the rally, its shares are still down about 9% this year. Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport raised its 2025 revenue forecast, expecting more long-haul travel than previously thought. On the downside, defense firms BAE Systems and Babcock slipped, with Babcock falling after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock, citing its 126% rally this year and a need to “pause for breath.”
