Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.
Please refer to the table below for more details:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
Join us for an insightful webinar on Monday, 31 March, 18:00 pm (GMT-6)!
The Rankia Markets Experience unites financial experts, investors, traders, and enthusiasts for high-value educational conferences. It offers up-to-date knowledge on financial markets, technical analysis, investment strategies, financial products, and finance technologies. Suitable for both experienced investors and beginners, the event promotes financial education with practical tools and strategies, providing a unique opportunity to learn from top experts and network with peers.
In the upcoming webinar titled “Bitcoin and CFDs: How to Operate Crypto in Traditional Markets” presented by Eduardo Ramos Romero, the Financial Market Analyst for VT Markets LATAM. You will discover:
• Understanding the role of Bitcoin and CFDs in traditional financial markets.
• Exploring strategies for trading crypto assets within a regulated framework.
• Managing risks and opportunities when integrating crypto with traditional investments.
Speaker Background: Eduardo Ramos Romero
• Financial Market Analyst for the LATAM region.
• 7 years of experience in the financial market.
• Held significant roles as the Director of Market Analysis and Senior Market Strategist at two prominent CFD brands.
• A respected speaker and educator, sharing his expertise through courses and media outlets such as El Economista, El Financiero, Bloomberg Middle East, Forbes Colombia, and Expansión.
Join us for an insightful webinar on Thursday, 27 March, 17:00 (GMT-6)!
The Rankia Markets Experience unites financial experts, investors, traders, and enthusiasts for high-value educational conferences. It offers up-to-date knowledge on financial markets, technical analysis, investment strategies, financial products, and finance technologies. Suitable for both experienced investors and beginners, the event promotes financial education with practical tools and strategies, providing a unique opportunity to learn from top experts and network with peers.
In the upcoming webinar titled “Control Your Capital, Control Your Success: Money Management for Traders” presented by Jonathan Vargas, the Team Leader for BDM in VT Markets LATAM. You will discover:
• Proven strategies to manage your capital effectively and minimize risks in trading.
• Techniques to optimize your profits and ensure sustainable growth.
• How to build financial discipline to stay consistent and successful in your trading journey.
Speaker Background: Jonathan Vargas
• Seasoned trading and finance professional with over five years of industry experience.
• Key contributor to the expansion of major financial firms.
• Development Manager for Latin America at VT Markets, driving regional growth.
• Expert in market strategy, identifying opportunities, and strengthening brand presence.
Gold remains a key player in uncertain times, holding steady as traders weigh their next moves. Balancing recent gains with economic uncertainty, investors are closely watching shifting trade policies, Federal Reserve decisions, and key economic reports. As markets stay cautious, gold continues to be a go-to safe-haven asset, reflecting broader trends in risk and currency movements.
Gold prices remain steady as traders secure profits
Gold prices held their ground on Friday, hovering around USD 2,914 per ounce, as investors took profits following the week’s upward momentum.
The precious metal remains on course for a 1.6% weekly gain, driven by ongoing trade uncertainty and anticipation of key US economic data.
An eye-popping imports surge that has driven the US trade deficit to a record and elevated anxiety about the economy largely has its roots in a frantic scramble by international gold traders to rush bullion to New York depositories. https://t.co/1LZ6yjFEpv
The session concluded with gold at USD 2,913.87, marking a 0.2% decline from previous levels, while US gold futures dropped 0.5% to USD 2,911.90.
Earlier in the day, bullion touched a peak of USD 2,914.82 before briefly retreating to USD 2,896.84 as traders adjusted positions ahead of the upcoming US non-farm payrolls report.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of the newly imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. However, uncertainty surrounding trade policies continues to provide support for gold, as market participants assess potential economic consequences.
Technical analysis
Gold (XAU/USD) is trading at USD 2,913.87, down 0.20% for the session.
The price briefly dipped to USD 2,896.84, where buyers stepped in to offer support, before climbing to a session high of USD 2,914.82 and pulling back.
Gold steadies near USD 2,914 as buyers test key resistance, as seen on the VT Markets app.
Moving averages (5, 10, 30) suggest mixed signals, with price action stabilising near resistance levels.
Additionally, the MACD indicates a possible bullish crossover, hinting at a shift in momentum towards buyers if gold surpasses USD 2,920.
A breakout above USD 2,920 could lead to a test of the USD 2,930 – USD 2,940 range, where selling pressure may emerge.
On the downside, key support is seen at USD 2,891, with a breach of this level potentially pushing prices towards USD 2,880.
Traders should remain attentive to US economic indicators, Federal Reserve policy signals, and overall market sentiment, as these elements will heavily influence gold’s next move.
Furthermore, the US dollar index remains under pressure, which has provided additional support for gold prices.
Persistent currency market volatility suggests investors remain cautious about the global economic outlook.
Federal Reserve outlook and jobs data in focus
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller has indicated that while he does not support an interest rate cut in the March meeting, easing later in the year remains a possibility if inflation continues to trend lower.
Market participants are now awaiting the US non-farm payrolls report, which is projected to show a 160,000 job increase for February.
Should the data fall short of expectations, it may reinforce the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts in the coming months, potentially boosting gold prices further.
As part of our commitment to providing the most reliable service to our clients, there will be and VT App maintenance this weekend.
Maintenance Hours:
9th of March 2025 (Sunday) 07:00-14:00 (GMT+2)
Please note that the following aspects might be affected during the maintenance:
1. During maintenance hours, you will not be able to log in to the VT App. We recommend avoiding the VT App for account management during this time.
2. During the maintenance hours, the price quote and trading management will be temporarily disabled during the maintenance. You will not be able to open new positions, close open positions, or make any adjustments to the trades.
3. There might be a gap between the original price and the price after maintenance. The gaps between Pending Orders, Stop Loss and Take Profit will be filled at the market price once the maintenance is completed. If you don’t want to hold any open positions during the maintenance, it is suggested to close the position in advance.
4. After the maintenance, the server time will be adjusted from GMT+2 to GMT+3
Please refer to MT4 / MT5 / VT App for the latest update on the completion and market opening time.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.
Please refer to the table below for more details:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
As we step into 2025, the largest UK companies by market cap continue to shape the financial markets, influencing industries like pharmaceuticals, energy, finance, and consumer goods. These corporations are not only dominant in the UK but also hold significant global positions, making them a key focus for traders.
Market capitalization (market cap) remains a critical metric in determining a company’s financial strength and investment potential. Traders and market participants track the largest companies in the UK to identify trading opportunities based on stock performance, industry trends, and macroeconomic factors.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 largest UK companies by market cap in 2025, discuss how traders can capitalize on these market giants, and explain how platforms like VT Markets provide access to these trading opportunities.
Top 10 Largest UK Companies by Market Cap in 2025
The UK is home to some of the world’s most influential companies, spanning industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, finance, and consumer goods. These companies drive economic growth and present exciting trading opportunities. Below is an overview of the top 10 largest UK companies by market cap in 2025, highlighting their industries, unique strengths, and interesting facts.
Company
Market Capitalization (Approximately)
Industry
Key Strength
AstraZeneca (AZN.L)
£210 billion
Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
Leading in innovative drug research and development
Shell (SHEL.L)
£185 billion
Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy
Largest UK-based energy company with a focus on renewables
HSBC Holdings (HSBA.L)
£125 billion
Banking & Financial Services
Global banking leader with a strong presence in Asia
Unilever (ULVR.L)
£105 billion
Consumer Goods
Consumer goods giant with a strong sustainability focus
BP (BP.L)
£95 billion
Energy
Major oil and gas producer expanding into green energy
Diageo (DGE.L)
£75 billion
Alcoholic Beverages
Global leader in premium spirits and beverages
Rio Tinto (RIO.L)
£63 billion
Mining & Metals
Key supplier of iron ore, copper, and aluminum
GSK (GSK.L)
£61 billion
Pharmaceuticals
Specialist in vaccines, respiratory treatments, and biotech
British American Tobacco (BATS.L)
£56 billion
Tobacco & Alternative Nicotine Products
Pioneering reduced-risk nicotine and vaping products
RELX (REL.L)
£55 billion
Information & Analytics
AI-driven analytics and risk management solutions
1. AstraZeneca (AZN.L) – The Global Pharma Leader
Market Capitalization: Approximately £210 billion
Industry: Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
Founded in 1999 through a merger between Astra AB (Sweden) and Zeneca Group (UK), AstraZeneca has grown into one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. It specializes in oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immunology treatments and played a vital role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Today, AstraZeneca continues to invest in AI-powered drug discovery and precision medicine, aiming to improve patient outcomes and accelerate drug development.
Uniqueness: AstraZeneca’s heavy investment in biopharmaceutical innovation and AI-powered drug discovery sets it apart in the healthcare sector.
Interesting Fact: AstraZeneca’s AI-driven research platform reduced drug development time by 30%, accelerating the delivery of life-saving medications.
2. Shell (SHEL.L) – The Energy Giant
Market Capitalization: Approximately £185 billion
Industry: Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy
Shell, originally founded in 1907 as Royal Dutch Shell, is one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies, involved in oil production, natural gas, and renewable energy. While historically reliant on fossil fuels, Shell has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It has significantly expanded into green hydrogen, carbon capture, and offshore wind energy projects to support the global shift toward sustainability.
Uniqueness: Shell’s commitment to a net-zero emissions strategy by 2050 makes it a leader in the global energy transition.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, Shell’s green hydrogen project in the UK became one of the largest in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy.
3. HSBC Holdings (HSBA.L) – The Banking Powerhouse
Market Capitalization: Approximately £125 billion
Industry: Banking & Financial Services
HSBC was founded in Hong Kong in 1865 and later moved its headquarters to London. It is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, with operations in over 60 countries. HSBC serves both corporate and retail customers, offering services in wealth management, investment banking, and digital finance. The bank has heavily invested in AI-driven financial security and blockchain technology to enhance transaction efficiency and fraud detection.
Uniqueness: HSBC’s aggressive digital banking transformation and expansion into Asia have strengthened its dominance in global finance.
Interesting Fact: HSBC launched AI-powered fraud detection software in 2025, reducing cyber fraud cases by 40%.
4. Unilever (ULVR.L) – The Consumer Goods Titan
Market Capitalization: Approximately £105 billion
Industry: Consumer Goods
Founded in 1929 through the merger of Margarine Unie and Lever Brothers, Unilever is a global leader in consumer goods, producing household brands such as Dove, Lipton, Ben & Jerry’s, and Hellmann’s. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, and plant-based product innovation. With a market reach spanning 190+ countries, Unilever continues to dominate the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.
Uniqueness: Unilever’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging and plant-based product lines has positioned it as a sustainability leader.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, Unilever pledged to reduce plastic waste by 50%, using 100% biodegradable packaging across its product range.
5. BP (BP.L) – The Oil & Gas Leader
Market Capitalization: Approximately £95 billion
Industry: Energy
Founded in 1909 as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, BP (British Petroleum) has evolved into one of the world’s largest integrated oil and gas companies. Historically focused on fossil fuels, BP has increasingly shifted towards renewable energy investments, with projects in solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels. The company aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 while maintaining strong oil and gas production.
Uniqueness: BP’s expansion into offshore wind and solar energy makes it one of the most diversified energy companies in the UK.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, BP completed the largest offshore wind farm in the UK, capable of powering 2.5 million homes.
6. Diageo (DGE.L) – The Spirits Market Leader
Market Capitalization: Approximately £75 billion
Industry: Alcoholic Beverages
Diageo was formed in 1997 through the merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan. It is the world’s leading producer of premium spirits, owning brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, and Tanqueray. The company is innovating in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to changing consumer preferences.
Uniqueness: Diageo’s investments in premium and low-alcohol beverages keep it ahead of changing consumer preferences.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, Diageo’s “Smart Bar” AI system helped bars optimize inventory based on real-time customer demand.
7. Rio Tinto (RIO.L) – The Mining Giant
Market Capitalization: Approximately £63 billion
Industry: Mining & Metals
Founded in 1873, Rio Tinto is a global mining company specializing in iron ore, copper, aluminum, and lithium—critical materials for construction, technology, and electric vehicle production. The company is investing in sustainable mining technologies and autonomous mining equipment to improve operational efficiency.
Uniqueness: Rio Tinto is pioneering AI-powered mining operations, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, Rio Tinto’s autonomous mining trucks cut operational costs by 25%, increasing productivity in its Australian mines.
8. GSK (GSK.L) – The Pharmaceutical Innovator
Market Capitalization: Approximately £61 billion
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), founded in 2000 through a merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, is a leader in vaccines, respiratory treatments, and specialty medicines. The company is at the forefront of mRNA-based vaccines and AI-driven clinical research.
Uniqueness: GSK’s AI-driven clinical trials are accelerating drug approvals faster than competitors.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, GSK launched a revolutionary mRNA-based cancer vaccine, marking a major breakthrough in oncology.
9. British American Tobacco (BATS.L) – The Tobacco & Nicotine Innovator
Market Capitalization: Approximately £56 billion
Industry: Tobacco & Alternative Nicotine Products
Founded in 1902, British American Tobacco (BAT) is one of the world’s largest tobacco and nicotine companies, operating in over 180 markets. While traditionally focused on cigarettes, BAT has been rapidly transitioning into smoke-free products, including vaping devices, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco alternatives. The company’s goal is to generate 50% of its revenue from non-combustible products by 2030, aligning with global shifts toward reduced-risk alternatives.
Uniqueness: BAT’s investment in reduced-risk products aligns with the global decline in cigarette consumption.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, BAT’s nicotine pouch sales surpassed traditional cigarette sales in multiple markets.
10. RELX (REL.L) – The Data & Analytics Leader
Market Capitalization: Approximately £55 billion
Industry: Information & Analytics
RELX, formerly Reed Elsevier, was founded in 1993 and has since evolved into a global provider of data-driven insights, risk management solutions, and AI-powered analytics. The company serves industries such as finance, law, healthcare, and government, offering advanced tools that help businesses optimize operations and mitigate risk. RELX’s focus on AI and machine learning has positioned it as a leading technology-driven information services provider.
Uniqueness: RELX’s AI-driven legal research and financial risk analysis tools make it a leader in digital transformation.
Interesting Fact: In 2025, 90% of UK law firms used RELX’s AI-powered legal research platform.
For traders looking to capitalize on the largest UK companies, there are several key approaches:
Understand the Markets and the UK Companies
Before trading, research how UK companies perform in different industries. Large-cap stocks like AstraZeneca and HSBC offer stability, while energy stocks like BP and Shell react to oil price changes. Economic factors such as Bank of England policies and global market trends impact stock prices. Staying informed helps traders make better decisions.
Choose a Reliable Broker and Fund Your Account
A regulated broker with access to UK stocks, low spreads, and trading tools is essential. Platforms like VT Markets offer real-time data and risk management features. Traders should fund their accounts using available deposit methods and set leverage levels based on their risk tolerance.
Trading CFDs on UK Stocks
CFDs allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning shares. This means they can go long or short on UK stocks. Trading with leverage provides more exposure with less capital, but it increases risks. Companies like AstraZeneca, HSBC, and Shell are popular CFD choices.
Use Risk Management Tools
Setting stop-loss and take-profit orders helps control risks. Trailing stops protect profits while allowing trades to stay open. Diversifying trades across different sectors reduces exposure to company-specific risks. Platforms like VT Markets provide built-in risk management tools.
Monitor and Stay Informed with Market Trends
The UK stock market is influenced by economic news, corporate earnings, and global events. Interest rate decisions affect banking stocks, while commodity prices impact energy companies. Traders should monitor financial reports and price trends to identify opportunities.
Trading the largest UK companies requires a clear strategy, market awareness, and proper risk management. Large-cap stocks like AstraZeneca, HSBC, and Shell offer strong liquidity and opportunities, but market trends and economic factors must be considered. Using risk management tools and staying informed can help traders navigate price movements effectively. A well-structured approach increases the chances of making successful trades in the UK stock market.
Start Trading the Largest UK Companies with VT Markets
Accessing the UK’s top stocks requires a reliable trading platform with advanced tools and competitive conditions. VT Markets provides seamless trading on major UK companies, enabling traders to take advantage of market movements with real-time data, low spreads, and risk management features. Whether trading CFDs on AstraZeneca, HSBC, or Shell, traders can execute their strategies with efficiency.
Open an account today and start trading the UK’s largest companies with VT Markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the largest UK company by market cap in 2025?
As of 2025, AstraZeneca holds the title of the largest UK company by market capitalization, valued at approximately £210 billion.
2. What is the largest company in the UK by revenue in 2025?
Shell is the largest UK company by revenue in 2025, generating significant income from its oil, gas, and renewable energy businesses.
3. What is the largest company in the UK by profit in 2025?
AstraZeneca leads in profitability due to its strong pharmaceutical sales, particularly in oncology and vaccine development.
4. What is the largest company in the UK by number of employees in 2025?
HSBC has the highest number of employees among UK-listed companies, with a global workforce exceeding 220,000 in 2025.
5. Why do traders focus on the largest UK companies?
Large UK companies offer strong liquidity, stable dividends, and steady growth, making them attractive for both short-term and long-term trading.
6. How can I trade the largest UK companies?
Traders can access UK stocks through CFDs, ETFs, or direct share purchases on regulated platforms. Many prefer CFDs for greater flexibility and lower capital requirements.
7. What is the FTSE 100, and how does it relate to these companies?
The FTSE 100 is the UK’s leading stock market index, tracking the performance of the 100 largest companies by market capitalization, including AstraZeneca, HSBC, and Shell.
8. What industries dominate the UK stock market in 2025?
Pharmaceuticals, energy, banking, and consumer goods remain the most dominant industries in the UK, with AstraZeneca, Shell, HSBC, and Unilever leading their respective sectors.
Gold prices are on the rise as investors seek safety amid ongoing trade uncertainties and shifting US policies. With global markets facing volatility, concerns over tariffs, economic stability, and Federal Reserve decisions are driving demand for the precious metal. As the dollar struggles and trade tensions persist, gold remains a key asset for those looking to hedge against market instability.
Gold rises amid US trade policy uncertainty
Gold prices climbed above USD 2,920 per ounce on Thursday, nearing record levels, as a weaker US dollar and ongoing trade uncertainties fuelled demand for the safe-haven asset.
Market sentiment remained cautious following recent policy adjustments from President Donald Trump, which added to investor concerns and kept gold well-supported.
Gold was steady near a record high, after rising more than 2% over the previous two sessions https://t.co/PGuy0jwW0W
Trump introduced a temporary one-month exemption for US automakers from the newly implemented 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, providing short-term relief to the sector.
Additionally, officials suggested that the 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports could be lifted if specific trade agreement conditions are met.
Despite these developments, broader uncertainties persist, with the US, Canada, Mexico, and China remaining embroiled in tariff disputes.
In response to these trade tensions, China has submitted a revised consultation request to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), challenging the latest US tariffs.
Retaliatory actions from affected nations have intensified economic concerns, further enhancing gold’s appeal as a hedge against market instability.
Dollar weakness and Fed rate cut speculation support gold
The US dollar struggled to gain momentum, offering additional support to gold prices. Investors are now turning their attention to the upcoming US non-farm payrolls (NFP) report, which could influence expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s future policy decisions.
Employment growth in the private sector has slowed to its lowest level in seven months, increasing speculation that the Federal Reserve may consider further rate cuts to bolster economic activity.
However, an unexpected rebound in the US services sector indicates some resilience, complicating the Fed’s decision-making process.
Technical analysis
Gold (XAU/USD) is currently trading at USD 2,924.17, up 0.21% for the session. The price briefly dropped to USD 2,894.40 before rebounding strongly toward USD 2,929.94, which now serves as the nearest resistance level.
Moving averages (5, 10, 30) indicate a consolidation phase, with price action stabilising around key levels. The MACD is shifting into positive territory, suggesting that bullish momentum is gradually strengthening.
Gold steadies near USD 2,924, eyeing a breakout above USD 2,930, as seen on the VT Markets app.
A breakout above USD 2,930 could pave the way for a test of the USD 2,940 – USD 2,950 range, where sellers may re-enter the market.
On the downside, strong support is established at USD 2,894, and a decline below this level could push prices towards USD 2,880.
If economic uncertainty persists and the US dollar remains under pressure, gold may continue its upward trajectory, potentially reaching new highs.
However, any signs of easing trade tensions or stronger-than-expected US economic data could limit further gains.
Gold prices edged above $2,920 per ounce, as markets reassessed the impact of U. S. tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. These added jitters to the markets, leading to a weaker U. S. dollar and bolstering the demand for the safe-haven asset.
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Highs on Tariff Rollout
Trump announced a temporary one-month exemption for U. S. automakers from the newly imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, offering some relief to the industry. Officials hinted at the possibility of removing the 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports if they meet trade agreement requirements.
However, the broader picture remains uncertain, as the U. S., Canada, Mexico, and China continue to engage in tariff battles.
At the same time, the latest policy shifts from President Donald Trump have prompted China to file a revised consultation request with the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging the latest U. S. levies. Retaliatory measures from affected countries have further clouded the global economic outlook, reinforcing the appeal of gold as a hedge against market instability.
Dollar Weakness and Fed Rate Cut Bets Further Supports Gold
The dollar weakened despite ongoing trade war threats, with broad-based selling pressure seen across major currencies, which also provided further support for gold prices. Traders are closely watching the upcoming U. S. non-farm payrolls (NFP) report, which could shape expectations for the next policy moves from the Federal Reserve.
Gold was steady near a record high, after rising more than 2% over the previous two sessions https://t.co/PGuy0jwW0W
Private sector employment growth slowed to a seven-month low, fueling speculation that the Fed may lean toward further rate cuts to cushion the economy. However, a surprising rebound in the U. S. services sector has suggested pockets of economic resilience, potentially complicating the decision-making process for the Fed.
Technical Analysis
Gold (XAU/USD) traded at $2,924.17, having tested a low of $2,894.40 before rebounding sharply toward $2,929.94, which now serves as the nearest resistance level. The moving averages (5, 10, 30) indicate consolidation, with price action stabilizing around key levels. The MACD is turning positive, suggesting that bullish momentum is gradually building.
Picture: Gold steadies near $2,924, eyeing a breakout above $2,930, as seen on the VT Markets app
For further upside, a breakout above $2,930 could lead to a test of the range between $2,940 and $2,950, where sellers may re-emerge. On the downside, support remains firm at $2,894, and a break below this level could trigger declines toward $2,880.
If economic uncertainty persists and the dollar remains under pressure, gold could test new highs. However, any signs of trade de-escalation or stronger-than-expected US economic data could limit further gains.
