British Shares Extend Rally; Aviva Gains on Trading Update

11:51 AM EST, 11/13/2026 (MT Newswires) -- UK equities extended their rally for a third consecutive session on Friday, with the blue-chip FTSE 100 up 0.41% at closing, as investors continued to assess corporate earnings and looked ahead to a fresh batch of economic data due next week. The UK is scheduled to release the latest labor market data early next week, followed by October inflation, industrial production and retail sales figures mid-week. On the back of the latest GDP numbers for the UK, the Bank of England flagged positive findings from its Project Meridian FX APAC initiative with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Bank of Thailand. The joint project demonstrated the feasibility of synchronized foreign exchange settlement across central bank systems operating on different technologies and capabilities. The initiative also assessed the legal, regulatory and oversight considerations in support of potential interoperability. On the corporate front, Aviva (AV.L) was one of the FTSE 100's biggest gainers after it reported year-over-year growth in general insurance premiums for the first nine months of the year to 11.80 billion pounds sterling from 9.97 billion pounds. At closing, the British insurer rose 3.33%, following its affirmation of operating EPS growth in line with its 11% target rate for full-year 2026. "Overall, we see AV/'s 9M26 update as a small positive, with Canadian weather losses contained, UK personal growth picking up and all FY targets re- iterated. Total 3Q26 GI premiums of GBP3.7bn were broadly flat yoy and in line with our expectations (+1%/-1% respectively). Canadian 9M26 COR deteriorated 0.5pp yoy to 95.4, as high Q3 cat losses more than offset the earn-through of pricing actions and favourable PYD. However, the impact appears manageable, doubtlessly helped by PYD, with 'approaching 94%' FY guidance unchanged," commented RBC Capital Markets. Still on earnings updates, Land Securities Group (LAND.L) reported higher profit attributable to shareholders of the parent and revenue for the six months ended Sept. 30, compared with the prior-year period. "We have continued to deliver on our strategic objectives over the past six months, strengthening our positioning for a higher inflation, higher rate environment. As a result, we have further improved our near-term EPS growth outlook, our medium-term income growth potential, and our strong capital base," said Landsec Chief Executive Officer Mark Allan. The property development and investment company closed 0.57% in the green.