Why did the FTSE 100 rise while the FTSE 250 fell, and which sectors drove the gain?

The FTSE 100 rose 0.5% to 10,532.93 points, supported by defensive healthcare and beverage stocks, while the midcap FTSE 250 slipped 0.2%. The healthcare sub-index gained 1.4%, led by AstraZeneca’s 1.4% rise following its $1.77 billion deal with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group to develop kidney disease treatments. Consumer-focused stocks—including Tesco (up 2.6%), Coca-Cola HBC, and J Sainsbury (up 1.8%)—also contributed to the blue-chip index’s advance.

What key U.S. economic data were investors watching, and why was it significant for UK markets?

Investors were awaiting the U.S. non-farm payrolls report—due at 8:30 a.m. ET—for clues on the health of the labor market and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path; economists expected the report to keep a September interest rate hike ‘on the table’ amid rising inflation linked to the U.S.-led war with Iran.

London's FTSE 100 Rises on Healthcare and Beverages Amid US Jobs Watch

Jul 2, 2026

London's FTSE 100 gained 0.5% led by healthcare and beverage stocks, highlighted by AstraZeneca's $1.77 billion drug deal and Genel Energy's acquisition of Capricorn Energy, as investors monitor US economic data.

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London's FTSE 100 Rises on Healthcare and Beverages Amid US Jobs Watch

London's FTSE 100 Rises on Healthcare and Beverages Amid US Jobs Watch

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