19.12.202517:08:19UTC+00UK Stocks Close at 1-Week High

The FTSE 100 climbed by 0.6%, concluding at 9,897 on Friday, marking its highest level since November 12. This increase extends the index's upward trajectory for the third consecutive session. A significant contributor to this gain was the FTSE 250's Carnival, which surged by 16.4% following the release of quarterly results that surpassed expectations. Precious metal mining companies, Endeavour Mining, with a 3.2% rise, and Fresnillo, up 2.9%, also benefited from increasing gold prices. Additional noteworthy performers included Rolls-Royce Holdings, which grew by 2.3%, Melrose Industries at 2%, and Spirax Group with a 1.8% increase. Oil giants Shell and BP recorded gains of 1.5% and 1.4%, respectively. Conversely, the housing sector experienced the most significant declines, with Barratt Redrow leading the losses at -2.7%, followed by Persimmon at -2.4%, and Berkeley Group at -1.8%. Retail companies such as JD Sports Fashion, down 2.6%, and Marks and Spencer Group, which fell 1.7%, were affected by substantial losses in their U.S. counterpart, Nike. Overall, the FTSE 100 rose approximately 2.6% over the week.