London’s FTSE 100 barely moved on Friday, consolidating gains after touching a two-week high the day before. Heavyweight energy stocks provided a buffer against broader losses, helping the blue-chip index stay steady, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 edged down 0.2%. Despite the slight dip, both indexes are poised to mark their second consecutive week of gains. Industrial metal miners took a hit, dropping 1.1% to lead sectoral declines, as a stronger dollar weighed on base metal prices. Meanwhile, energy shares rose by 1%, bolstered by oil prices stabilizing at a two-month high reached on Thursday. Thin trading volumes, typical of the holiday-shortened week, added to the subdued market activity. Inflationary risks tied to UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ October budget, which could challenge the Bank of England’s cautious pace in monetary easing. With two rate cuts totaling 50 basis points already delivered in 2024, markets are eyeing another 60 bps reduction this year.