FTSE 100 Trades at 4-Week High

The FTSE 100 rose to a four-week high on Thursday, outperforming major European benchmarks as stronger-than-expected UK growth data supported sentiment and the index’s limited exposure to struggling technology stocks provided a relative advantage. GDP expanded by 0.1% in August, following July’s 0.4% increase and exceeding expectations for a 0.1% contraction. Output grew 0.7% over the three months to August, marking the fourth consecutive month in which economic performance surpassed forecasts despite high borrowing costs and rising energy prices. Among individual stocks, consumer and pharmaceutical companies advanced, with Unilever gaining 1.5%, British American Tobacco rising 2.8%, AstraZeneca adding 1% and GSK climbing 0.8%. Mining shares, however, weighed on the market. Antofagasta plunged more than 6% after quarterly copper production missed estimates and its 2027 output forecast was reduced. Anglo American fell 5%, Rio Tinto dropped over 4% and Glencore lost more than 3%.