The FTSE 100 got off to a strong start despite the ongoing uncertainty around US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs after a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated them - a day after they were blocked by another court.
An hour into trade, London's blue chip index is up 51 points at 8,768, a gain of more than half a percent (0.59%).
M&G PLC (LSE:MNG) is leading the gainers, jumping over 6% on news of a strategic partnership with Japan's Dai-ichi Life, which is expected to generate $6 billion (£4.5 billion) in business for the UK group over five years.
Other insurers are also rising on the back of that. Hiscox Ltd (LSE:HSX) and Beazley PLC (LSE:BEZ) have gained more than 2% each, while Admiral Group Plc (LSE:ADM) is 1.5% higher.
Miners are down this morning amid the continuing economic turmoil, Anglo American PLC (LSE:AAL), Rio Tinto Ltd (LSE:RIO, ASX:RIO, OTC:RTNTF), Endeavour Mining PLC (LSE:EDV, TSX:EDV, OTCQX:EDVMF) and Fresnillo PLC (LSE:FRES) all shed over 1%.