FTSE 100 up 0.2, FTSE 250 off 0.2
Both indexes on track for longest weekly streak since April
Aerospace and defence led yearly gains
FTSE 100 set for threeyear win streak

Dec 29 Reuters UK39;s benchmark FTSE 100 edged higher on the last day of trading in 2023, supported by a rise in industrial metal miners and energy stocks on higher copper and crude prices, while a drop in precious metal miners capped gains.

At 0912 GMT, the bluechip FTSE 100 edged 0.2 higher, on track to extend gains to a fifth week. The FTSE 250 midcap index was down 0.2, although set for a fourth straight week of gains.

Both indexes marked their longestrunning weekly streak since early April.

Industrial metal miners rose 0.5, leading sectoral gains on higher copper prices as the prospect of U.S. interest rate cuts brightened the outlook for most metals.

Heavyweight oil and gas added 0.4 on higher oil prices.

Top decliner precious metal miners dropped 0.7, and was on track for a yearly decline of nearly 11.

Meanwhile, data showed British house prices dropped more than expected in the year but a fall in mortgage rates in recent weeks has led to signs that the market might have bottomed out. The real estate sector slipped 0.4.

Although battling one of the stickiest inflation trends through the year and almost slipping into a recession by the end of it, British equities were resilient, logging in yearly gains. The FTSE 100 added over 3.5, its third consecutive yearly gain while midcap stocks…