However, upbeat corporate results improved investor sentiment this morning, sending the blue-chip index up 0.8%.

Bunzl was up 1.6% after it raised its annual dividend and posted a higher full-year earnings, while Associated British Foods climbed 1.5% after raising its guidance for the full year 2022-23, as consumer spending proved more resilient than expected.

Higher oil prices also boosted majors such as BP Plc and Shell.

 

Things to read today:

US companies say it is easier to hire despite low jobless rate (Financial Times)

Lab Leak Most Likely Origin of Covid-19 Pandemic, Energy Department Now Says (WSJ)

Sunak Aims to Unveil N. Ireland Brexit Deal After Meeting Monday (Bloomberg)