The FTSE 100 closed up 0.7% at 10,724.86, while the FTSE 250 rose 0.1%, as weaker sterling supported healthcare and consumer staples stocks.
UK stocks ended higher on Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 up 0.7% at 10,724.86 points and the FTSE 250 edging up 0.1%. A stronger-than-expected US inflation reading supported the dollar, while weaker sterling benefited companies with export revenues. AstraZeneca and GSK each rose more than 3.4%, Unilever gained 2.5% and Burberry climbed 3.5%.
Homebuilders advanced 3.2% after Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill expressed scepticism about market expectations for four rate hikes over the next year. Precious metal miners fell 3.5% as gold and silver prices weakened, while banks slipped 0.6%. Big Yellow rose 5.4% after activist investor Ancora called for a strategic review and said it could attract takeover interest. Softcat dropped 10.7% after flagging a slower growth outlook for 2027.
Investors were awaiting the UK's August GDP figures, due Thursday. UK Finance Minister John Healey was expected to fund new initiatives with higher taxes or spending cuts rather than more borrowing, a report said, as the Iran war added pressure to Britain's public finances.
