London's FTSE 100 retreats as banks, energy weigh but eyes weekly rise

Kitco Media
By Reuters
Published:
Updated:
Reuters
London's FTSE 100 retreats as banks, energy weigh but eyes weekly rise teaser image

Sept 18 (Reuters) - London's FTSE 100 pulled back from ​an over one-week high on Friday, dragged by banks and energy ‌stocks, but was set for gains in a week packed with economic data and central bank decisions.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index (.FTSE), fell 0.6% to 10,751.57 points by 0953 GMT, poised ​for its biggest weekly jump since late July. The midcap FTSE 250 (.FTMC), ​was flat, but was on track for its sharpest weekly rise ⁠since early August.

On Friday, financial stocks were the biggest drags on the index. ​Banks (.FTNMX301010), lost 0.7%, with Lloyds (LLOY.L), and HSBC (HSBA.L), falling 1.2% and 0.6% respectively.

Energy companies (.FTNMX601010), ​were down 0.8%, as oil prices fell for a third straight session on easing concerns over Saudi supply disruptions.

Telecom stocks (.FTNMX151020), were the biggest percentage decliners with a 4.3% tumble. Airtel Africa (AAF.L), ​lost 8.8% after a report said its Airtel Money was considering downsizing its London ​IPO.

On the flip side, precious metal miners (.FTNMX551030), rose 1.6%, as gold prices extended their rally.

Data showed ‌British ⁠consumers unexpectedly increased their shopping in August, although they cut fuel purchases after prices jumped.

The report comes a day after the Bank of England held interest rates steady but warned that policymakers might have to go up if the Iran war drags ​on.

Brokerages changed their rate ​calls following the ⁠decision, with Barclays joining J.P.Morgan in expecting a hike in November.

The central bank on Thursday also paused UK government bond sales ​for six months and halted long-dated gilt sales entirely, days ​after a ⁠global bond rout. Gilts steadied on Friday after last session's rally.

The US Federal Reserve hiked rates by 25 basis points this week, and the central bank reinforced its fight ⁠against ​inflation, sparking a rally across global markets on ​Thursday.

Among individual stocks, Softcat (SCTS.L), bottomed the FTSE 250 with a 2.8% fall after the IT firm agreed to ​buy US-based GDT at an enterprise value of $1.05 billion.

Reporting by Purvi Agarwal in Bengaluru

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.