The FTSE 100 closed up 0.4% at its highest since early August, lifted by energy and consumer stocks as investors shifted toward defensive sectors. The FTSE 250 fell 0.4%.
The FTSE 100 closed 0.4% higher on Friday, reaching its highest level since early August, while the FTSE 250 fell 0.4%. Healthcare companies AstraZeneca and GSK edged higher, utilities rose 1.1%, and Centrica gained 3.8%. BP and Shell each advanced about 1.5% as crude prices edged higher.
US stock indexes fell as concerns about Nvidia's leadership and AI financing renewed a technology-share selloff. Investors also assessed softer-than-expected US producer price data for October while continuing to price in a 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate hike in December. UK inflation and employment figures are due next week; traders were pricing in an over 84% chance of another 25-basis-point Bank of England rate increase next month.
Aviva rose 3.4% after reporting a 19% increase in general insurance premiums for the first nine months of 2026.
