FTSE 100 edges higher as banking gains outweigh RELX losses and political uncertainty
London's FTSE 100 rose on Friday as banking gains offset a slide in RELX. Markets also reacted to rising political uncertainty and a recovery in house prices.
Insights:
London's FTSE 100 ticked higher today as gains in heavyweight lenders offset a slide in data analytics firm RELX Plc , leaving the index on track for its second straight weekly gain. The upward movement on February 6, 2026, was primarily driven by strong performances from major banking institutions, including Barclays PLC , NatWest Group plc , and Lloyds Banking Group plc .
The decline in RELX Plc marked the fourth consecutive week of losses for the company, reflecting a broader AI-related selloff that has impacted various data and analytics names. This sector-specific pressure stood in contrast to the strength seen in the financial sector. The London Stock Exchange Group plc also remains a key point of interest for market participants during this period of volatility.
