The FTSE 100 shook off the news on Thursday morning that the UK had dipped into a technical recession late last year to open higher.
GDP contracted 0.3% over the final quarter of 2023, according to the ONS, following a 0.1% decline in the previous three months, meaning the UK fell into its first non-COVID-related recession since 2009.
Among companies, British Gas owner Centrica climbed after posting higher-than-expected full-year profit and lifting its dividend.
Airline Jet2 also gained altitude after bumping up its full-year profit expectations on resilient travel sector demand.
And finally, NatWest is reportedly set to discuss interim boss Paul Thwaite’s permanent appointment as chief executive on Thursday, following the departure of former chief executive Alison Rose over the Nigel Farage debanking scandal.