UK equities closed mixed on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 edging higher as gains in heavyweight stocks offset broader weakness in midcaps.
The blue-chip index rose 0.17% to 10,171.76, supported by sharp advances in 3i Group, which jumped nearly 9%, alongside strength in Shell, GSK, and Antofagasta. Energy and healthcare stocks provided key support, helping the benchmark stay in positive territory.
Shell climbed over 2%, tracking firmer commodity prices, while GSK added close to 2% amid steady defensive buying. Metlen Energy & Metals and Admiral Group also featured among notable gainers.
In contrast, the FTSE 250 fell 0.52%, reflecting continued pressure on domestically focused and growth-oriented stocks, while the FTSE AIM All-Share declined 0.86%, underlining risk aversion in smaller names.
Broader markets remained cautious as investors weighed global growth concerns and awaited further clarity on interest rate trajectories, with trading activity concentrated in select large-cap names rather than across the broader market.
