The UK stock market ended on a positive note on Friday, with the Investing.com UK 100 index rising by 1.48% at the close of trade. The increase in the index was driven by gains in the financial and mining sectors.
NatWest Group PLC was among the best performers of the session, with its shares rising by 7.09% to trade at 229.50 at the close. Antofagasta PLC and Lloyds Banking Group also saw significant gains, with their shares rising by 5.65% and 3.90%, respectively.
On the other hand, Airtel Africa Plc was among the worst performers of the session, with its shares falling by 3.22% to trade at 96.30 at the close. Vodafone Group PLC and Ocado Group PLC also saw declines in their share prices.
Overall, 1,099 stocks on the London Stock Exchange rose, outnumbering the number of stocks that closed lower, which numbered 636. Airtel Africa Plc shares fell to one-year lows, while Antofagasta PLC shares rose to one-year highs.
In the futures market, the price of gold rose by 0.32% to $2,021.35, while the price of WTI crude oil futures contract for March delivery rose by 0.92% to $78.75.
In the currency market, GBP/USD remained unchanged at an exchange rate of 1.26, while EUR/GBP was also basically unchanged at a quote of 0.86. The U.S. dollar index futures rose by 0.08% to trade at 104.28.
The positive performance of the UK stock market on Friday reflects the broader optimism in the global economy and financial markets, as investors continue to monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses and economic activity.