London stocks finished higher on Thursday as investors reacted to the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut. The pound also strengthened, and major European markets closed in positive territory.
The FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, while the British pound gained 0.4% against the U.S. dollar, pushing GBP/USD above 1.34.
Germany’s DAX climbed 0.6%, and France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.8%.
UK Market Highlights
New data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed fresh signs of strain in the UK housing market during November.
According to the RICS Residential Market Survey, all near-term indicators weakened, and house prices came under mild downward pressure nationwide.
Analysts noted that estate agents reacted without enthusiasm to the government’s latest Budget announcements.
In corporate news, FirstGroup PLC (LON:FGP) agreed to acquire the UK sightseeing bus operations of RATP Développement SA for about £17 million. The deal expands First Bus operations in London and Bath.
The acquisition includes 63 buses—42 in London and 21 in Bath—along with a freehold depot in Wandsworth, a leased depot in Keynsham, and around 190 employees across both sites.
Workspace Group PLC (LON:WKP), a major provider of flexible office space in London, announced the disposal of two lower-conviction assets for £11.8 million.
The sale price matches the September 2025 valuation and reflects a net initial yield of 5.7%.
