The FTSE 100 rose more than 0.5% on Thursday, bouncing back from a small loss in the prior session, as investors bet on interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve following new inflation and jobs data. Meanwhile, the ECB left rates unchanged for a second meeting. BAE Systems led with a 6% increase, while Compass Group advanced 2.7% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to “buy,” providing an extra lift. Rolls-Royce and GSK also gained around 2% each. Other notable risers included British American Tobacco and HSBC. 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.