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The FTSE 100 opened slightly higher on Thursday, November 6, 2025, rising 4 points to 9,781 as traders weighed mixed earnings updates and global cues. Gains in engineering, mining, and telecom stocks offset weakness in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.
IMI topped the leaderboard, up by 3.91% to £2,496, after reaffirming the forecast of mid-single-digit organic revenue growth for the fourth consecutive year. The firm also announced its intention to make cash distributions as a way of increasing returns to shareholders.
Endeavour Mining rose 3.01% to £3,082, supported by strong quarterly production and improved gold prices, while Antofagasta advanced 2.19% to £2,711 as copper prices strengthened amid supply concerns.
Other gainers included Fresnillo, which gained 2.05% to £2,190, National Grid rose 2.04% to £1,175, and NatWest Group jumped 1.87% to £599.40.
On the downside, Hikma Pharmaceuticals plunged 11.86% to £1,561, making it the session’s biggest loser after disappointing forward guidance and margin pressure.
Smith & Nephew also slumped 9.15% to £1,266 amid weaker-than-expected orthopedic sales, while Games Workshop declined 4.26% to £15,510 following lower licensing revenue.
Other losers included Unilever, which declined 1.42% to £4,584, London Stock Exchange Group fell 0.58% to £9,678, and Diageo dropped 2.53% to £1,752, as consumer and financial stocks came under pressure.
BT Group rose 2.5% after reporting first-half results broadly in line with expectations. Revenue stood at £4.93 billion, just short of forecasts, while EBITDA of £2.08 billion slightly beat projections.
The company announced a 2% increase in its interim dividend and reiterated its full-year guidance, citing ongoing cost savings and a focus on UK operations.
AstraZeneca edged 0.2% higher after delivering a strong Q3 performance. The drugmaker’s revenue rose 12% to $15.19 billion, topping estimates, while core EPS climbed 14% to $2.38.
Sainsbury’s gained £3 to £340.2 after lifting its profit outlook, now expecting annual earnings above £1 billion, driven by strong summer trading and resilience in its Argos retail division.
Meanwhile, Diageo shares slipped after the beverage giant lowered full-year forecasts due to weak US consumer trends and slower Chinese demand.
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Besides, markets today are also awaiting the Bank of England's interest rate decision, with policymakers predicting that the central bank will keep its rates at 4% amid declining inflation.
A divided vote is being anticipated, and investors are considering December as the most probable period for a rate cut.
