London stocks opened slightly higher on Thursday after stronger-than-expected UK economic data offered a modest boost to sentiment.
The FTSE 100 (UKX), rose 0.1% in early trade, while the FTSE 250 added 0.3%.
UK gross domestic product grew 0.3% in November, beating expectations for a 0.1% rise, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. The increase reversed October’s 0.1% contraction and was driven by a 0.3% rise in services output and a 1.1% jump in production.
Over the three months to November, GDP expanded by 0.1%, improving on the flat growth seen in the previous rolling period. Services output grew 0.2% over the same timeframe, making the largest contribution to overall activity. Production edged down 0.1%, weighed down by a sharp fall in motor vehicle manufacturing.
Construction remained a weak spot, with output down 1.3% in November and falling 1.1% over the three-month period, marking its weakest run since March 2023.
Goods exports rose £600 million, or 1.9%, supported by higher shipments to both EU and non-EU markets, while goods imports fell £600 million, down 1.1%. Trade with the US softened, with exports down £500 million and imports falling £900 million during the month.
On a three-month basis, the UK’s total trade deficit in goods and services widened by £2.7 billion to £6.1 billion, as a larger goods deficit outweighed a rise in the services surplus.
Schroders (LON:SDR) led the FTSE 100, jumping more than 8% after saying it expects full-year adjusted operating profit to beat market expectations. The asset manager forecast at least £745 million in adjusted operating profit for 2025, up 24% from last year, helped by stronger fee income and tighter cost control.
Shares in 3i Group (LON:III) rose 4.7%, supported by the stronger GDP data.
In the FTSE 250, Ashmore (LON:ASHM) topped the index after reporting broad-based net inflows across fixed income and equities.
Assets under management rose to $52.5 billion at the end of December, reflecting both positive market performance and renewed investor interest in emerging markets.
FTSE 100 Gainers
| Company Name | Ticker | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Schroders | SDR | +7.04% |
| 3i Group | III | +4.78% |
| LondonMetric | LMP | +2.56% |
| Marks & Spencer | MKS | +2.45% |
| Tesco | TSCO | +1.99% |
FTSE 100 Fallers
| Company Name | Ticker | Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Fresnillo | FRES | -3.13% |
| BP | BP. | -2.15% |
| WPP | WPP | -1.77% |
| JD Sports | JD. | -1.66% |
| Compass Group | CPG | -1.64% |