FTSE 100 firms as Trump predicts swift end to trade war

Britain's main index firmed on Friday, helped by strong gains in mining heavyweights, while retailer Mothercare jumped after it reported a narrower annual loss and a lower debt burden. The FTSE 100 was 0.5% higher by 0720 GMT while more domestically-focused midcaps were up 0.6%.

All sectors in the main index were in positive territory as risk appetite got a lift from U.S. President Donald Trump predicting a swift end to the trade war with China. Mothercare was the standout blue-chip performer, up 19.1% to be on course for its best day in a year after its annual report showed restructuring efforts were paying off.

Broader gains in the FTSE 100 were led by miners and consumer stocks. Miners gained 1%, breaking a four-day losing streak after copper prices rebounded from their lowest since Jan. 14 as the dollar dipped.