UK's blue-chip FTSE 100 inched higher on Tuesday, led by gains in industrial mining and financial shares, and was set to end the sixth consecutive quarter higher as optimism surrounding a ceasefire in the Middle East lifted sentiment.
The internationally focussed FTSE 100 index CURRENCYCOM:UK100 rose 0.5% by 0904 GMT, while the midcap FTSE 250 FTSE:MCX was up 0.1%. The blue-chip index gained in 11 of the last 12 months, with March being the only exception, as global markets roiled after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran.
The domestically focussed FTSE 250 was on track for a quarterly rise but a monthly loss as politics took centre stage after Keir Starmer resigned from his position as Prime Minister.
Banks (.FTNMX301010) added 1.2% and were up over 20% for the quarter. Lloyds LSE:LLOY and Natwest LSE:NWG gained 1.8% and 2.4%, respectively.
Industrial metal miners (.FTNMX551020) rose 2.1%, tracking metal prices, with Rio Tinto LSE:RIO, Anglo American LSE:AAL and Glencore LSE:GLEN up between 1.7% and 2.8%.
Economic data showed that Britain's economy grew 0.6% in the first quarter, but households felt a squeeze before the price pressures of the Middle East conflict.
A Lloyds survey showed that UK businesses' confidence about the economic outlook fell this month as cost pressures and global uncertainty continued to hurt.
UK's biggest housebuilders are facing a potential multi-billion-pound class action lawsuit over alleged anti-competitive conduct, according to a consumer claim. The home construction index (.FTNMX402020) lagged on the FTSE 100 with a 2.8% decline, while Persimmon LSE:PSN, Barratt Redrow LSE:BTRW and Taylor Wimpey LSE:TW. fell between 2.4% and 3.3%.
Among individual movers, supermarket group Sainsbury's LSE:SBRY rose 2.1% after first-quarter results but said it expects the Middle East conflict to add to food inflation.
British holiday and insurance group Saga LSE:SAGA shares fell 3% and were the top loser on the midcap index after first-half results.
BRC data showed annual shop price inflation remained unchanged in June, with food inflation losing steam and consumers taking advantage of summer deals.