UK Stocks Rise on Mining Share Rally Amid Gold Price Surge
The UK stock market is trading higher on Friday, August 21, 2026, driven by strong gains in mining shares as gold and silver prices rise. The FTSE 100 was up around 0.22% at 10,771.99, while the FTSE 250 gained about 0.34% to 24,592.59 in morning trading. Mining stocks were among the strongest performers, with higher precious-metal prices providing a boost to resource companies.
The rally comes after the FTSE 100 closed Thursday at 10,748.16, gaining 0.04%, as gains in mining and oil stocks offset weakness elsewhere, particularly in retail. Gold rose to around $4,563 an ounce, while silver also advanced, supporting miners with exposure to these metals.
A weaker US dollar made dollar-denominated commodities more attractive to international buyers and provided another boost to metals prices. However, weak UK retail sales data, which fell 0.5% in July, raised concerns about consumer spending and capped broader market optimism.