The FTSE 100 extended its gains on Wednesday, rising 18.06 points or 0.2% to 10,421.66, supported by strong corporate updates and continued momentum across global markets. The rally comes as investors remain focused on central bank decisions and increased energy prices.
Diploma surged 15.71% to £5,820 after upgrading its 2026 profit guidance. The company cited a surge in demand for specialised parts used in commercial aircraft, which are currently being built at record rates.
As a result, revenue growth is expected to come in at 9% for the year, compared to 6%, whilst its operating profit target increased by 13%.
Mining giant Antofagasta gained 2.81% to £3,662, supported by firm commodity prices. Similarly, Weir Group rose 2.66% to £2,938.
International Consolidated Airlines Group climbed 2.59% to £364.20, while EasyJet added 2.57% to £371.20.
Luxury retailer Burberry Group advanced 2.39% to £1,072, reflecting improved consumer sentiment.
On the downside, RELX fell 1.94% to £2,581, while British American Tobacco declined 1.54% to £4,474.
Imperial Brands dropped 1.15% to £3,178, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners slipped 0.92% to £7,570.
Meanwhile, the London Stock Exchange Group edged lower by 0.48%, reflecting cautious sentiment in financial stocks.
Prudential announced an increase in its dividend after annual results showed a 12% rise in new business profit to $2.78 billion.
The insurer intends to pay a second interim dividend of 18.89 cents a share, increasing the total for 2025 by 15% to 26.60 US cents.
The company initiated an additional $1.2 billion buyback in 2026 and expects a $1.3 billion capital return in 2027.
Moonpig, an online greeting card retailer, launched a new £65 million share buyback after announcing it will complete its current £60 million buyback scheme this financial year.
It comes as Moonpig said it was set to meet high single-digit growth in pre-tax earnings, whilst projecting earnings per share to be at the top end of previous guidance.
Also Read: Stock Market Today: Sensex Jumps 858 Pts to 76,929, Nifty Hits 23,836; Infosys, TCS Gain Up to 4%
Brent crude oil continues to trade above $100 per barrel, recently easing to around $101.69 after a strong rally. Elevated oil prices, driven by Middle East tensions, are increasing inflation concerns and influencing monetary policy expectations.
Investors are awaiting the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision later today, along with upcoming announcements from the Bank of England, European Central Bank, and Bank of Japan.
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