London stocks closed higher on Tuesday, shaking off some pre-Fed nerves as investors eyed big tech earnings.
The FTSE 100 ended up 0.4% at 7,666.31, recovering from opening losses. The midcap FTSE 250 index ticked up 0.2% to 19,349.50.
IMI led blue chip gainers, rising 1.6% after naming Jamie Pike as its next Chairman. Diageo added 0.7% although the drinks giant reported a 15% half-year profit slump amid macro pressure.
Housebuilders were mixed following analyst ratings changes. Taylor Wimpey gained 1.5% as BofA upgraded to Buy. But the bank cut its stance on Barratt Developments and Persimmon, which fell 1.2% and rose 0.5% respectively.
In the FTSE 250, Auction Technology Group was the standout performer – rocketing 19%. The online auction firm said trading had started 2024 in line with views after an 11% rise in quarterly revenues. Value-added services growth offset weaker gross merchandise…
