Britain’s benchmark share index closed lower on Wednesday, while mid-caps were steady, as investors parsed a mixed bag of corporate earnings.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 CURRENCYCOM:UK100 was down 0.6% and the midcap index FTSE 250 MCX edged up just 0.04%.
The FTSE 100 has gained 2.7% so far in May, heading for its best month in four. The domestically-focused 250 index is up 5.3% this month and set for its best month in ten.
U.S. deals with the UK and China have eased trade concerns and boosted sentiment towards risk assets.
The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday increased its growth forecast for Britain to 1.2% from its previous forecast of 1.1% in April, with expectations of a rise to 1.4% in 2026 despite U.S. tariff headwinds.
“The UK has been relatively well insulated, given what’s been happening on a global trade basis,” said Richard Bullas, fund manager at Franklin Templeton, adding that recent trade developments have shone…
