FTSE 100 up 0.2, FTSE 250 adds 0.9
Currys up on 214 mln Kotsovolos sale
FTSE 250 set for biggest weekly gain since Nov 2022
SmithNephew rises on rating upgrade

Nov 3 Reuters Britain39;s benchmark FTSE 100 index advanced on Friday and was on track for weekly gains, as medical products maker SmithNephew shares rose on a rating upgrade, while Bank of England39;s BoE decision to hold interest rates further lifted sentiment.

The exporterfocused FTSE 100 was up 0.2, at 0915 GMT, on track to mark its biggest weekly gains in seven weeks, buoyed by a slew of strong earnings.

Rate sensitive stocks climbed as the BoE held interest rates at a 15year peak of 5.25 on Thursday, but said it did not expect to cut them any time soon.

It39;s very hard for the BoE to justify a cut or loosening the policy unless the economy really hits the wall, said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

The medical equipment and services index climbed 2.7 to lead sectoral gains, lifted by a 3.8 jump in SmithNephew after broker JP Morgan raised the stock to Overweight from Neutral.

The industrial metal miners added 0.4 as copper prices rose on a weaker dollar.

Top sectoral decliner oil and gas lost 0.8 as crude supply concerns driven by the Middle East conflict eased and top importer China39;s demand outlook remained uncertain.

The midcap FTSE 250 gained 0.9 and was set for its biggest weekly gain in a year with a more than 6 jump.

British electricals retailer Currys agreed to sell its…