London | Jan 22, 2026: UK equity markets closed modestly higher on Thursday, supported by strength in select financial, healthcare, and industrial stocks, even as broader gains remained capped.
The FTSE 100 ended the session up 0.12%, rising 11.96 points to close at 10,150.05, while mid- and small-cap indices outperformed.
Broader Market Performance
FTSE 250: ▲ 1.30% to 23,370.93
FTSE 350: ▲ 0.25% to 5,539.16
FTSE All-Share: ▲ 0.26% to 5,479.59
FTSE AIM All-Share: ▲ 1.12% to 817.67
Top FTSE 100 Gainers
Gains in the blue-chip index were led by wealth management, pharmaceuticals, and industrial names:
St. James’s Place Plc (STJ): ▲ 4.31% to 1,511.00
Metlen Energy & Metals Plc (MTLN): ▲ 4.25% to 42.90
Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc (HIK): ▲ 3.16% to 1,568.00
JD Sports Fashion Plc (JD.): ▲ 3.12% to 84.62
Spirax Group Plc (SPX): ▲ 3.08% to 7,370.00
Convatec Group Plc (CTEC): ▲ 3.05%
easyJet Plc (EZJ): ▲ 2.82%
Vodafone Group Plc (VOD): ▲ 2.57%
Market Takeaway
Mid-cap stocks significantly outperformed large caps, indicating selective risk appetite among investors. Financial services and healthcare stocks provided key support to the benchmark, while gains in travel and telecom names added to the positive sentiment.
