FTSE 100 Climbs as US Jobs Data Beats Expectations
London’s FTSE 100 index rose on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, following stronger-than-anticipated US jobs data. The positive economic news from the United States, however, as well dampened expectations for near-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Market Performance
The FTSE 100 closed up 118.27 points, a 1.1% increase, reaching 10,472.11. Meanwhile, the FTSE 250 experienced a slight decline, falling 52.76 points, or 0.2%, to 23,416.54. The AIM all-share index also edged down, decreasing by 0.47 points, 0.1%, to 815.29.
Other indices reflected similar trends: the Cboe UK 100 rose 1.1% to 1,045.90, while the Cboe UK 250 and Cboe small companies indices decreased by 0.2% and 0.4% respectively, closing at 20,759.32 and 18,676.18.
US Jobs Report
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nonfarm payroll employment increased by 130,000 in January, significantly exceeding the FXStreet-cited consensus estimate of 70,000. This figure represents a substantial increase from the 48,000 jobs added in December, which was revised downward to 50,000. Source
Impact on Interest Rate Expectations
The robust US jobs data has led to a reassessment of the likelihood of imminent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Stronger employment figures suggest a resilient US economy, reducing the urgency for the Fed to ease monetary policy. Source
Global Economic Outlook
World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the need for multilateral organizations to adapt to remain relevant, emphasizing the importance of reform. She noted that the current consensus-based decision-making process within the WTO often hinders progress. Source
Other Market Movements
In Latest York, market performance was mixed, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.1%, the S&P 500 up 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite down 0.1%. US Treasury yields also saw an increase, with the 10-year Treasury yield rising to 4.17% and the 30-year Treasury yield reaching 4.81%. Source
European markets also showed varied performance, with the CAC 40 in Paris closing down 0.2% and the DAX 40 in Frankfurt also experiencing a decline.