London's FTSE 100 opened on the front foot on Thursday, climbing 13 points to 8,098.
Halma led risers early on as shares in the safety equipment firm surged on news of record first-half revenue and a dividend hike.
JD Sports tumbled in the meantime after warning full-year profit would be at the low end of expectations after consumer caution and the US election hit trading in the third quarter.
Elsewhere, Jet2 shares soared on the airline’s report that profit would exceed market expectations after record results and passenger numbers during the first half.
Close Brothers confirmed it would appeal to the Supreme Court over last month’s ruling that it was liable for potentially billions over motor finance commission payments.
And finally, ONS figures showed government borrowing hit its second-highest level on record in October at £17.4 billion.