FTSE 100 inches higher as miners gain, US jobs data allays recession fears

(Reuters) – London’s FTSE 100 inched higher on Friday, as better-than-expected U.S. jobs data allayed fears of recession in the world’s top economy, while industrial metal miners further boosted recovery.

The blue-chip was up 0.3%, while the mid-cap rose 0.2% by 0709 GMT.

However, both indexes are set to post weekly declines for a second straight week.

Data showed on Thursday that weekly U.S. jobless claims fell more-than-expected, suggesting that fears of an unravelling labor market were overblown and allayed some fears of a potential U.S. recession.

Weak economic data last week spurring recession fears in the U.S. and the unwinding of Japan’s yen carry trade triggered a battering sell-off across stock markets on Monday.

On Friday, industrial metal miners led gains in London, rising 1.9% rise, as prices rebounded and base metals rose supported by rate-cut hopes and better-than-expected U.S. data. [MET/L]

Rate sensitive real estate investment trusts and real estate sectors also moved up 1%, each.

Energy and precious metal miners also gained 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively, as oil prices rose and gold stabilized. [O/R] [GOL/]

On the flip side, personal care, drugs and grocery stocks led declines, down 0.4%.

Investors are looking forward to next week, packed with inflation data both in the U.S. and the UK, alongside Britain’s gross domestic product numbers.

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: LSEG signage is seen on screens in the lobby of the London Stock Exchange in London, Britain, May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo

Among other stocks, Hargreaves Lansdown gained 1.8%after the investment platform agreed to a 5.44 billion pound ($6.94 billion) takeover by a consortium.

Beazly was the top gainer on the FTSE 100 for a second session in a row, rising 2.3%, after jumping more than 10% on Thursday.