London Stocks Hit Record as Tariff Fears Fade into Market Optimism

A buoyant investor mood lifted the FTSE 100 to a record close of 8,975 points, as confidence grew that Donald Trump’s trade war threats would remain largely rhetorical. The rally came despite fresh announcements of new tariffs on copper and other imports.
Market watchers credit the surge to strong performances in commodity and defense sectors. Anglo American, Glencore, and Rio Tinto posted nearly 4% gains, while Fresnillo saw continued momentum amid strong demand for precious metals.
Defensive names also benefited, with Babcock and BAE Systems soaring amid expectations of increased defense spending tied to the Ukraine war. The FTSE’s 9% year-to-date climb illustrates its strong recovery from April’s tariff-driven slump.
Many traders believe Trump’s pattern of threatening and then backing down has reduced the market impact of his tariff declarations. As a result, global investors are increasingly focused on growth opportunities rather than political noise.