The FTSE 100 eyed yet another new intraday high as trading got underway, climbing to 8,197 and just 1 point off the record.
Aiding gains early on was drinks company Diageo, which climbed after announcing Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ Nik Jhangiani as its new chief financial officer.
News of growing revenues at Holiday Inn owner IHG failed to push the stock higher in the meantime though.
Among FTSE 250-listed firms, Trainline soared after reporting a doubling in operating profit to £56 million for last year on strong growth across continental Europe.
And across the Atlantic, Apple shares chalked up hefty gains after the tech giant beat second-quarter earnings expectations despite a dip in iPhone sales.