Investing.com -- British stocks rose on Wednesday, buoyed by a busy day of corporate earnings as several major U.K. companies reported results on the final trading day of April.

As of 0720 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 gained 0.2% and the British pound fell 0.04% against the dollar to 1.33. Meanwhile, DAX index in Germany rose 0.5%, the CAC 40 in France gained 0.4%.

Barclays Q1 profit beats on investment banking boost

Barclays PLC (LON: BARC ) reported better than expected financial results for the first quarter, powered by a strong performance from its investment banking division.

The bank’s pre-tax profit for the first quarter was £2.7 billion ($3.6 billion), marking an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. This exceeded the analyst expectations of £2.49 billion, as reported by LSEG.

Glencore (OTC: GLNCY ) Q1 copper output drops

Glencore PLC (LON: GLEN ) reported a 30% year-on-year drop in copper production for the first quarter, totaling 167,900 metric tons.

Despite the decline, the company reaffirmed its full-year production outlook for 2025.

It also expects 2025 trading profits to land in the mid-range of its long-term guidance.

GSK beats Q1 estimates on strong cancer drug sales

GSK plc (LON: GSK ) posted a rise in first-quarter profit, fueled by robust sales of its cancer treatments, which helped offset weaker vaccine demand in the U.S.

Revenue climbed to £7.52 billion, beating analysts’ expectations of £7.42 billion.

Smith+Nephew maintains 2025 outlook

Smith & Nephew PLC (LON: SN ) continues to hold its 2025 financial outlook steady, despite expecting a net impact of $15 million to $20 million due to U.S. tariffs.

Smith+Nephew said it is actively working to minimize the potential impact of these tariffs.

Haleon beats Q1 revenue estimates

HALEON PLC (LON: HLN ) posted stronger-than-expected Q1 organic revenue, driven by robust demand for its oral health products like Sensodyne.

The strong performance offset weaker U.S. sales of Centrum vitamins, allowing the company to reaffirm its full-year outlook despite economic uncertainty.