03.07.202607:41:00UTC+00FTSE 100 Rises for 2nd Session

The FTSE 100 rose for a second straight session on Friday, hitting its highest level since early March and edging closer to its record high of 10,911 set on February 27. Utilities led the advance, with SSE up about 2.5%, National Grid gaining 1.5%, Centrica rising 1.1%, and Severn Trent adding more than 0.5%. Miners also underpinned the rally: precious metals producer Fresnillo climbed over 2%, while copper miners Antofagasta and Anglo American each added more than 1%.

The upbeat performance tracked broader gains across Asian markets, driven by stronger‑than‑expected data on China’s services sector. Global risk appetite was further supported by a softer US employment report, which helped ease worries about imminent interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Still, overall trading volumes were expected to be subdued, with US markets shut for the Independence Day holiday.