The FTSE 100 Index edged up towards the 6,000 mark today as traders took heart from UK Government efforts to gradually get the economy back on track.
London’s main market was up around 55 points, or 0.9% at 5,994.77.
By contrast, France’s Cac 40 index and the German Dax were both slightly down as nerves remained over an easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Brent crude was nearly 2.3% higher at $30.30 per barrel, as of 5.30pm, thanks to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates pledging to increase their combined oil production cuts commitment by more than one billion barrels per day.
Among London-listed firms, shares in Irish budget airline Ryanair rose nearly 2.5% to £7.90 after it said it would restore 40% of its normal flight schedule from July 1.
Ryanair has operated a skeleton daily schedule of 30 flights between Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe since mid-March.
Announcing its on-board Covid-19 measures, the Dublin-based carrier said cabin crew would wear face masks and passengers would need to ask to use the toilets.
Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson said: “It is time to get Europe flying again.”
