The FTSE 100 added 0.39% on Wednesday morning, bringing the UK index to 7,188.84.
“The FTSE 100 built on Tuesday’s gains to trade around a one-month high suggesting investors have moved on from the latest set of jitters over Covid variants for now,” say AJ Bell financial analyst Danni Hewson.
“Progress on a huge US stimulus package helped stocks close in positive territory on Wall Street, providing a positive cue for European equities – while the carving up of the UK market by overseas buyers continues apace as Avast agrees to a merger with NortonLifeLock.”
The other key threat stalking the markets is inflation. US inflation figures are out this afternoon and could provide a test for the current sunnier sentiment.
FTSE 100 Top Movers
Avast (2.99%), Spirax-Sarco Engineering (2.53%) and JD Sports (2.38%) are leading the way on the FTSE 100 on Wednesday.
While at the bottom end, Phoenix Group (-1.70%), Flutter Entertainment (-1.15%) and National Grid (-1.01%) have lost the most ground so far today.