U.K. stocks held steady on Friday even as a survey showed the country’s economic growth slowed last month on the back of staff shortages and supply chain issues.
The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 55.0 in August, down from a preliminary “flash” reading of 55.5 and sharply lower from July’s 59.6.
The benchmark FTSE 100 was up 9 points at 7,172 after rising 0.2 percent the previous day.
Mining giant BHP rose 1.4 percent after tumbling 5.6 percent the previous day on going ex-dividend.
Antofagasta and Rio Tinto gained about 1 percent each as metal prices advanced.
Discoverie Group shares jumped as much as 14 percent. The electronic components manufacturer and supplier said that it has raised 55 million pounds ($76.1 million) via share placing.
Ashmore Group slumped 5.5 percent after the investment manager reported a 12 percent dip in annual net revenue.
FTSE 100 Holds Steady In Cautious Trade
2021-09-03 09:38:09
