The FTSE 100 enjoyed a solid day’s trading on Thursday as investors reacted to strong jobs news in the US.
The FTSE 100 enjoyed a solid day’s trading on Thursday as investors reacted to strong jobs news in the US. J obless rates fell again and this encouraged traders to pour into traditional risk on investments. As a result, it helped the FTSE 100 lift up by 65.89 points, or 0.92%, to 7,207.71 at the close of play, while Wall Street’s main markets also leapt higher on the opening bell. London stocks were also buoyed once again by commodity firms which rose on the back of soaring prices for copper, aluminium, oil and natural gas. “The FTSE 100 has managed to get back near to its recent range highs, led by the likes of Anglo American, Antofagasta and Glencore, while oil prices are helping to support the likes of BP and Royal Dutch Shell,” commented Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK. In company news, recruiter Hays said September was its best month since the pandemic struck as firms worldwide scramble to secure talent amid a skills shortage. The group saw like-for-like fees jump 41% in its first quarter to the end of September, helping shares close up 4.
