The FTSE 100 opened lower on Friday, with the index slipping 22.27 points to 10,216.67, as weakness in heavyweight mining stocks outweighed gains in defence and aerospace stocks.
In contrast, the FTSE 250 showed resilience, rising 19.26 points to 23,299.24, consolidating Thursday's strong 1.4% advance.
Defence and Aerospace Lift Blue Chips
BAE Systems shares advanced around 1.2%, gaining roughly £26 to trade near £2,067. The stock benefited from continued investor confidence in defence spending amid persistent geopolitical risks.
Rolls-Royce Holdings rose around 1.1% to £1,283.5. The rally reflects optimism around operational improvements and sustained demand across civil aviation and power systems, helping offset broader market softness.
Among others, Metlen Energy increased 0.67% to £45, while Rentokil Initial rose 0.52% to £465.30.
Mining Stocks Weigh on the Index
Mining names were the primary drag; Rio Tinto fell around 1.6%, losing close to £80 to trade at £6,388, as softer commodity prices and cautious demand expectations pressured sentiment.
Endeavour Mining declined around 2%, sliding nearly £78 to £4,028, tracking weakness in bullion prices.
Other miners, including Antofagasta, which declined 1.88% to £3,596 and Anglo American, backed 1.75% to £3,262, contributing to the index's decline.
DCC also declined 0.71% to £4,472.
Property and Consumer Signals
In the housing market, Zoopla reported that the start of 2026 witnessed the largest number of houses for sale since 2018, with one real estate agent having 32 listings.
The regions of London and the South East experienced the biggest annual increase in supply, indicating better buyer choice despite the constant pressure of affordability.
Corporate Updates
Johnson Service Group delivered resilient revenue growth, rising 4.3% to £535.6 million from £513.4 million in 2024, following a mix of volume recovery and operational changes.
The hospitality giant revealed that margins are improving, keeping the company on track to hit its 14% target for 2026.
Its revenue from hotels, restaurants, and catering business increased to £390 million, with 1% organic growth, while its workwear business rose to £145.6 million, up from £142.2 million.
London-listed Spectra Systems' subsidiary, Cartor Security Printers (CSP), has been named the winning bidder for an HMRC contract to produce and supply vape duty stamps.
This deal, currently being finalized, provides these stamps and is valued at approximately £38.4m, including VAT, for five years, with an option to extend for a sixth year.
Global Cues and Commodities
Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.6% higher, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each gained 0.3%, aided by strong bank earnings.
In commodities, Brent Crude edged 0.1% lower to $63.68 per barrel, while Gold slipped 0.4% to around $4,598 per ounce, adding pressure to mining shares.