U.K. equities advanced on Wednesday, buoyed by renewed global trade optimism after the announcement of a significant trade agreement between the United States and Japan. Broader European markets also rallied, while the British pound strengthened against the dollar.
London Stocks Climb, Sterling Strengthens
As of 11:34 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.5%, supported by improved investor confidence and positive global cues. The British pound also gained ground, trading 0.07% higher at $1.35.
On the continent, Germany’s DAX index also rose by 0.5%, while France’s CAC 40 advanced nearly 1%, reflecting upbeat sentiment across European markets.
Trump Announces “Massive” Trade Deal with Japan
Market sentiment was lifted after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that his administration had secured a major trade pact with Japan, which will involve a 15% tariff on Japanese goods. Trump added that Japan will invest $550 billion into the U.S. economy, from which the U.S. will “receive 90% of the Profits.”
The agreement marks a notable development in international trade relations and is being closely watched by global markets.
Fresnillo Falls After Silver Production Miss
Shares of Fresnillo (LSE:FRES) slipped 0.4% after the miner reported second-quarter silver output of 12.5 million ounces, falling short of analysts’ consensus of 13.1 million ounces.
Despite the miss in silver, stronger gold production from the company’s Herradura and San Julián mines helped boost overall performance. According to RBC Capital Markets, total silver-equivalent output actually came in 4% above expectations.
Breedon Warns on Earnings, Shares Sink
Construction materials group Breedon (LSE:BREE) revised its full-year earnings guidance downward following a softer-than-expected first half of 2025. The company now anticipates EBITDA at the lower end of its projected range, targeting £291.4 million.
The revised outlook sent Breedon’s stock tumbling more than 10% in Wednesday trading.
JD Wetherspoon Reports Steady Growth
Pub operator JD Wetherspoon (LSE:JDW) posted a 5.1% increase in like-for-like sales for the first 12 weeks of its fourth quarter, maintaining the pace of growth seen earlier this year.
For the year-to-date period, like-for-like sales were also up 5.1%, matching the previous quarter’s momentum when sales climbed 5.6% for the 13 weeks ending April 27.
Informa Lifts Revenue Outlook Despite Loss
Informa PLC (LSE:INF) delivered a strong revenue update for the first half of 2025, prompting the company to raise its full-year growth guidance even as it posted a statutory loss due to a non-cash impairment charge.
The academic publishing and events company saw revenue surge 20.1% to £2.04 billion, with underlying revenue growth of 7.8%. The upbeat outlook sent Informa’s shares soaring over 5% on the day.
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