The FTSE 100 headed higher for a second day led by airline easyJet on a bullish trading update that helped put 45 points on the index at 7,893 in early trades.
Ticket sales rose by 9% year-on-year and ancillaries jumped by 10%. Chief executive Johan Lundgren said easyJet expects to be one of the fastest-growing major airlines in Europe though he was mindful of Middle East situation.
Music rights fund Hipgnosis Songs was the best performer following a bid from Nashville-based Concord at a 32% premium to yesterday’s close.
Meanwhile, Deliveroo shares rose by 6% as the takeaway specialist said gross transaction value was up 6%, with per-order value increasing 4%. International order growth outstripped the UK and Ireland.
And wealth platform AJ Bell shares also rallied as customer numbers rose above half a million for the first time. Another 19,000 people signed up in the three months to March while net inflows also beat forecasts.