U.K. equities closed higher on Tuesday, with the United Kingdom 100 advancing 0.82% to register a new record closing level. Gains were concentrated in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotech, Software & Computer Services and Travel & Leisure sectors, supporting the broader market push upward.
Among individual movers, Smurfit WestRock PLC (LON:SWR) was the session's strongest performer on the index, climbing 3.95% - up 142.00 points to finish at 3,738.00. Barratt Redrow PLC (LON:BTRW) added 3.13% - a rise of 11.70 points to end the day at 385.60, while Airtel Africa Plc (LON:AAF) rose 3.09% or 10.40 points to close at 346.60.
Not all names participated in the rally. Antofagasta PLC (LON:ANTO) led decliners, slipping 3.44% - down 129.00 points to 3,617.00 at the close. Anglo American PLC (LON:AAL) fell 2.93%, a drop of 104.80 points to finish at 3,473.20, and Weir Group PLC (LON:WEIR) declined 2.28% or 80.00 points to end the session at 3,430.00.
Market breadth on the London Stock Exchange showed more rising names than falling ones, with 1,013 stocks gaining versus 754 falling; 539 shares finished unchanged.
Commodities and FX
Commodity prices moved lower in the session. Gold futures for April delivery fell 3.48% - down 175.54 to $4,870.76 a troy ounce. Oil prices also eased: crude oil for April delivery declined 1.26% or 0.79 to $61.96 a barrel, while the April Brent contract dropped 2.39% or 1.64 to trade at $67.01 a barrel.
Foreign exchange rates showed the pound under pressure against the dollar, with GBP/USD down 0.69% to 1.35. EUR/GBP was reported at 0.87, unchanged by 0.56% in the session's reporting. The US Dollar Index Futures rose 0.37% to 97.18.
Context on portfolio tools referenced in the session note
A portfolio selection product called ProPicks AI was noted with performance figures cited: year-to-date, two out of three global portfolios were reported to be beating their benchmark indexes, with 88% in positive territory. The referenced Tech Titans strategy was described as having outperformed the S&P 500 over an 18-month span and highlighted example winners such as Super Micro Computer and AppLovin with the percentage moves stated in the session note.
This market update reflects closing prices and reported percentage moves for equities, commodities and key FX pairs as described above.