FTSE 100 movers: Defence firms rally; Burberry out of fashion
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Monday 05 Jan 2026
(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was up 0.1% at 9,961.22 in afternoon trade on Monday.
Defence firms Babcock, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce all rallied amid geopolitical tensions, after the US capture over the weekend of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Investors were also considering US President Trump's potential plans for Greenland, Cuba, Mexico and Colombia.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "Defence stocks often move higher when there are heightened tensions between two countries as investors believe events could spur governments to spend more on military protection.
"It was only natural to see the sector in demand after Venezuela's leader was captured."
Precious metals miner Fresnillo shone as gold and silver prices were boosted by a flight to safety. The stock was also lifted after Citi hiked its price target to 3,900p from 3,000p and reiterated its 'buy' recommendation.
The bank said it was raising estimates for earnings and cash flow to factor in higher silver and gold prices.
On the downside, Burberry slumped even as Bernstein named the luxury fashion brand as its preferred self-help story among global luxury goods companies in 2026. It highlighted the company's "convincing turnaround plan" that has resulted in "early encouraging results."
Bernstein kept the shares at 'outperform' with a 1,500p price target.
Marks & Spencer lost ground ahead of a Christmas trading update on Thursday.
FTSE 100 - Risers
Babcock International Group (BAB) 1,337.00p 5.03%
Antofagasta (ANTO) 3,415.00p 4.88%
BAE Systems (BA.) 1,831.00p 4.39%
Fresnillo (FRES) 3,474.00p 3.64%
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 1,230.50p 2.80%
Anglo American (AAL) 3,123.00p 2.73%
Glencore (GLEN) 419.85p 2.70%
Rio Tinto (RIO) 6,093.00p 1.79%
Relx plc (REL) 3,029.00p 1.54%
Melrose Industries (MRO) 618.80p 1.44%
FTSE 100 - Fallers
Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,261.00p -4.22%
Bunzl (BNZL) 1,999.00p -3.15%
Admiral Group (ADM) 3,062.00p -2.73%
Imperial Brands (IMB) 3,040.00p -2.72%
JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 83.44p -2.66%
Beazley (BEZ) 797.50p -2.39%
BT Group (BT.A) 179.90p -2.10%
Unilever (ULVR) 4,724.50p -2.03%
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) 321.90p -1.95%
DCC (CDI) (DCC) 4,460.00p -1.85%
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