UK stocks are making headlines as the FTSE 100 flirts with extending its longest winning streak in more than five years. As we approach lunchtime in London on April 29, 2025, the FTSE 100 index is holding steady, having increased for a remarkable 12 consecutive sessions. This run has seen the blue-chip benchmark climb nearly 10% over the past 11 days, a feat not seen since the global financial crisis era. Although the index remains about 5% below its all-time high set in early March, today’s momentum underscores its resilience in a complex market environment.
The FTSE 250 is also in fine form, up more than 0.7% so far in today’s session, benefiting from renewed investor confidence in UK mid-cap stocks. The pound, after an early rally, has dipped back below $1.34, while yields on UK government bonds are rising, signaling shifting expectations around inflation and monetary policy.
Earnings season is in full swing and several key stocks are driving the action. HSBC is posting the largest positive contribution to the FTSE 100 after delivering robust earnings that shrugged off recent tariff-related anxieties. Other gainers include Howden Joinery and Travis Perkins, both buoyed by reassuring financial results. These performances highlight pockets of strength in the UK corporate landscape, particularly among financials and industrials.
However, gains have been tempered by weakness in heavyweight sectors. AstraZeneca shares are retreating after missing sales targets on some critical drugs, reminding investors to stay vigilant around pharma earnings surprises. BP is also under pressure, not only from softer oil prices but from its own decision to slow buybacks, a move that has disappointed some shareholders. AB Foods, the parent company of Primark, has tumbled after cutting profit guidance for its sugar business, showing the importance of monitoring shifts in sector outlooks.
Retail stocks are attracting attention today following the release of fresh data from Kantar and the British Retail Consortium. Tesco and Sainsbury’s are outperforming, driven by strong seasonal sales and sustained consumer demand, although Asda is lagging. Shoppers bought more Easter eggs than last year, but inflation in grocery prices has notably accelerated—a trend traders should keep on their radar as it could shape future central bank policy and impact consumer-related equities.
For active traders and investors, the current environment presents both opportunity and risk. The FTSE 100’s extended rally reflects underlying economic strength as well as global capital flows seeking relative safety and value in UK assets. But with earnings results sending mixed signals and inflationary pressures building, the market remains sensitive to surprises.
As today’s session unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the FTSE 100 can lock in its 12th straight gain and possibly extend this historic streak. For anyone trading UK stocks or investing in Europe, the action on the FTSE 100 is a bellwether for broader sentiment—and a reminder that, while momentum is powerful, rapidly changing fundamentals can quickly reshape the market landscape.
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