U.K. Stocks Finish Higher

The U.K. stocks ended the week on a positive note, with the FTSE 100 Index gaining 0.53% to reach 7,723.07.

Top Performers

Among the FTSE 100 constituents, clothing retail company Next PLC saw the largest increase, with shares rising by an impressive 5.79%.

Investment advisors firm Hargreaves Lansdown PLC and investment advisors company Schroders PLC also had a good day, with their shares rallying by 2.54% and 2.25% respectively.

Residential building construction company Persimmon PLC and pharmaceuticals business Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC rounded out the top five performers, with their stocks climbing 2.14% and 2.01% respectively.

Biggest Declines

On the other hand, clothing retail company JD Sports Fashion PLC experienced the largest decrease among FTSE 100 constituents, as its shares plummeted by a staggering 23.00% on Thursday.

Chemicals firm Croda International PLC and gambling industries company Flutter Entertainment PLC also saw declines, with their stocks falling by 4.40% and 2.52% respectively.

Precious metals company Fresnillo PLC and gambling industries firm Entain PLC completed the list of the top five biggest decreases, as their stocks fell by 1.84% and 1.20% respectively.

Currency and Commodity Market Updates

The pound showed some strength, gaining 0.18% against the dollar at $1.2689. However, it weakened slightly against the euro, down 0.11% at €1.1583.

Brent crude oil experienced a decline of 1.9%, reaching $76.79. Meanwhile, the yield on the 10-year gilt rose by 9.040 basis points to 3.730%.