The FTSE 100 rose about 0.2% on Wednesday after a 0.3% decline in the previous session, outperforming weaker European markets as gains in commodity linked stocks supported the index. Miners, oil majors and banks led the advance, helped by higher metals and crude prices. London Stock Exchange Group jumped as much as 8.4% after reports that activist investor Elliott built a stake. Precious metals miners including Fresnillo gained as gold rose following softer US data that strengthened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Base metal producers such as Anglo American and Rio Tinto also advanced as commodity prices climbed, while BP moved higher alongside crude on Middle East tensions. On the downside, stocks exposed to AI disruption came under pressure, with RELX among laggards. Wealth managers and investment platforms including St James’s Place, AJ Bell and IntegraFin also fell sharply as investors cut exposure to the sector.
