London's FTSE 100 index edged higher on Friday, August 21, 2026, with mining stocks leading the advance. The blue-chip index gained 0.3% to close at 8,245.6 points, according to market data.
Mining companies such as Rio Tinto and Glencore saw gains as metal prices firmed. Rio Tinto rose 1.2%, while Glencore added 0.9%. The sector was supported by stronger copper and iron ore prices, driven by hopes of increased demand from China.
Investors were also digesting the latest UK retail sales figures, which showed a 0.5% month-on-month increase in July, beating expectations. However, concerns over inflation and interest rates remained in focus ahead of the Bank of England's next policy meeting.
On the corporate front, shares in BP slipped 0.4% despite a rise in oil prices, while HSBC Holdings traded flat. The mid-cap FTSE 250 also advanced, closing 0.2% higher.
