The artificial intelligence rally that has dominated equity markets for much of the year is now spilling over into sectors beyond the usual technology giants, according to new data from market analytics models. The FTSE 100 closed 0.6% higher at 7,689 points on Thursday, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 added 0.8% to finish at 19,234 points. Gains were led by industrial and financial stocks, suggesting investors are broadening their AI bets.
Among the top movers, engineering firm Smiths Group rose 2.3% after announcing an AI-driven efficiency programme, while insurer Aviva climbed 1.9% following positive commentary on AI use in underwriting. Banking stocks also advanced, with Lloyds Banking Group up 1.5% and Barclays gaining 1.2%, as traders bet on cost savings from automation. The broader rally comes after months of concentrated gains in US-listed names such as Nvidia and Microsoft.
Analysts attribute the rotation to growing evidence that AI is being adopted across the UK economy. “What we’re seeing is a second wave of AI optimism, where the technology’s impact is being priced into sectors that were previously overlooked,” said James Carter, a market strategist at London-based research firm Capital Economics. “Our models flagged this shift three weeks ago, and it’s now being confirmed by trading volumes.”
For UK investors and pension holders, the broadening of the AI rally could reduce the risk of over-reliance on a handful of US tech stocks. Many defined contribution pension schemes have significant exposure to UK equities through funds tracking the FTSE All-Share, which includes industrial and financial firms. “If AI adoption lifts productivity across the board, it could support corporate profits and dividends in sectors that have lagged,” added Carter.
The move also reflects a change in market sentiment, with traders pricing in a higher probability of a ‘soft landing’ for the UK economy. Lower inflation and expectations of interest rate cuts by the Bank of England later this year have improved the outlook for domestic stocks. However, some analysts caution that the rally may be premature if AI adoption fails to deliver measurable productivity gains in the near term.