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UK's FTSE 100 Closes Higher, Buoyed by Banking and Construction Stocks
The UK's benchmark stock index closed in positive territory on Friday, lifted by strong performances in the construction, banking, and electronics sectors. The FTSE 100 index gained 0.44% by the end of the trading session in London, according to data from Investing.com.
Key Movers
Leading the gains among the index's constituents was homebuilder Vistry Group PLC (LON:VTYV), which saw its shares climb 3.71%. It was followed by property portal Rightmove PLC (LON:RMV), adding 2.89%, and NatWest Group PLC (LON:NWG), which rose 2.26%.
On the downside, London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LON:LSEG) was the session's worst performer, falling 3.22%. Other notable decliners included software firm Sage Group PLC (LON:SGE), which dropped 2.23%, and medical device maker Smith & Nephew PLC (LON:SN), which declined 1.66% to a new 52-week low.
AdMarket Breadth and Commodities
Overall market sentiment was positive, with 944 stocks advancing on the London Stock Exchange compared to 750 decliners, while 555 ended the session unchanged.
In the commodities markets, oil prices retreated significantly. Brent crude futures for November delivery fell 2.16% to $105.30 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for October delivery dropped 2.53% to $99.89 a barrel. In currency markets, the GBP/USD pair was largely flat.
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