Precious Metal Miners Propel FTSE Gains Amid Rate Cut Speculation

Precious metal miners boosted London's FTSE 100 as investors anticipated a possible significant U.S. interest rate cut. Gains were moderated by a strong pound, while gold prices surged. Flutter's acquisition and other market developments also influenced movements, including sectoral declines in beverages and inflation concerns subsiding.

Precious metal mining stocks lifted London's blue-chip index on Friday as investors raised their bets on a hefty U.S. interest rate cut next week. While the FTSE 100 edged up 0.4%, the mid-cap FTSE 250 rose 1%, both registering weekly advances.

Gold miners Fresnillo and Endeavour saw notable gains, with a 5.7% and 10.5% increase, respectively, as gold hit a record high against a weaker dollar. Beverages, however, were top sectoral decliners, down 1.2% following warnings of a 'very soft' market environment this quarter.

Furthermore, UK inflation expectations have dropped to a three-year low, likely reassuring Bank of England policymakers ahead of their upcoming rate decision. In other developments, Flutter Entertainment's acquisition of a 56% stake in NSX Group was noted among significant market movements.

(With inputs from agencies.)