The FTSE 100 traded 0.5% higher on Thursday, bouncing back from a small loss in the prior session and outperforming other major European indexes. Gains were driven by strength in defense, mining, and energy stocks. BAE Systems led with a nearly 3% increase, while Fresnillo climbed more than 2%. Oil giants BP and Shell also added 1.6% and 0.9%, respectively. Other notable risers included British American Tobacco, Unilever, and HSBC. Compass Group advanced after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to “buy,” providing an extra lift. Investors are also looking ahead to key UK economic data, with GDP due Friday, followed by inflation figures and the Bank of England’s rate decision next week. Globally, attention is on the US CPI release and the European Central Bank’s policy call.