01.04.202516:00:04UTC+00UK Stocks Bounce Back

On Tuesday, the FTSE 100 increased by approximately 0.6%, closing at 8,635, rebounding from the previous day's sharp losses. This movement occurred just before the implementation of significant tariffs by the US administration. Market participants also closely monitored economic indicators and corporate announcements. The revised S&P Global UK Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for manufacturing, which assesses the level of activity in British factories, was adjusted slightly upward to 44.9 in March, from an initial estimate of 44.6. Despite this revision, the PMI indicated the lowest activity level since October 2023, a period during which the country experienced a recession. Additionally, a separate report by Nationwide indicated that house prices remained unchanged in March. Within the equity market, Rolls-Royce Holdings led the gains with a 4.1% increase, followed by companies like insurer Hiscox, retailer JD Sport, lender Barclays, and pest control firm Rentokil Initial. Conversely, advertising powerhouse WPP PLC found itself at the bottom of the FTSE index after Bank of America previewed its quarterly results, predicting a persistent decline in comparable revenue.