Gold prices edge lower; heading for weekly losses ahead of U.S.-Russia talks
Investing.com -- British stocks gained in Thursday afternoon trading as key economic data showed the U.K. economy expanded more than expected in June, while corporate earnings included Admiral and Aviva.
As of 1137 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 rose 0.04% and the British pound gained 0.06% against the dollar to 1.35.
DAX index in Germany rose 0.6%, the CAC 40 in France gained 0.5%.
Economy grows more than expected in June
The U.K. economy expanded more than expected in June following two months of contraction, though growth still slowed in the second quarter of 2025.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday showed that U.K. gross domestic product rose by 0.3% from April to June, exceeding the 0.1% growth forecast.
However, this marked a significant slowdown from the 0.7% expansion recorded in the first quarter.
Aviva shares rise as H1 profit beats forecasts, guidance reaffirmed
In corporate news, Aviva (LON:AV) shares rose 3.7% at market open after the U.K. insurer posted stronger-than-expected first-half results and reaffirmed its guidance.
Operating profit for the six months to June 30 increased 22% to £1.07 billion ($1.45 billion), surpassing the £972 million forecast from a company-compiled consensus.
The performance was supported by higher premiums and increased net flows in the wealth division.
Admiral shares jump on earnings beat
Admiral Group shares climbed more than 5% after reporting a 69% increase in earnings, with UK motor profit up 56%. Group profit before tax came in 2.6% above consensus, while the UK motor division beat forecasts by 5.9%.
Household profit was 32.6% ahead of estimates, and travel and pet insurance recorded a £0.1 million loss, better than the expected £1 million loss.
PensionBee shares gain on asset growth, U.K. profitability milestone
PensionBee Group plc shares gained 1.8% after the online pension provider reported strong growth in assets under administration and achieved profitability in its UK operations.
Assets under administration grew 21% year-over-year to £6.3 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by net inflows of £423 million.
Revenue increased 23% to £18.9 million compared to the same period last year, while invested customers rose 14% to 286,000.
Antofagasta reports H1 earnings beat with lower costs
Antofagasta plc delivered strong first-half 2025 financial results, exceeding analyst expectations on several key metrics.
The mining company reported H1 EBITDA of $2.2 billion, in line with consensus estimates, with a slight outperformance due to lower operating costs. Underlying earnings per share reached $0.47, surpassing RBC estimates by 24% and consensus forecasts by 6%.
Antofagasta declared a first-half dividend of $0.17 per share, 24% higher than RBC’s projection and 5% above consensus estimates. This payout aligns with the company’s 35% policy payout ratio.
Centrica gain on LNG terminal deal with Energy Capital Partners
Centrica plc stock rose about 3% after announcing the acquisition of the Isle of Grain liquified natural gas terminal in partnership with Energy Capital Partners for an enterprise value of £1.5 billion.
The British energy company will take a 50% stake in the asset, with its equity investment amounting to approximately £200 million after accounting for about £1.1 billion of new non-recourse project finance debt.