London’s blue chip index has gained 25.86 points, or 0.37%, to 7,039 in early trading following positive updates from several of its constituents.
One such riser was Vodafone (VOD), which gains 4.6% to 253.8p after being upgraded on rising demand for 4G data.
In other news, Premier Inn and Costa owner Whitbread (WTB) edges down 0.4% to £52.40 as investors doubt its choice of new chief executive, namely Lloyds Banking (LLOY) head of retail Alison Brittain. After beating internal candidates Brittain, who previously held roles at Santander UK (SANB) and Barclays (BARC), will succeed Andy Harrison when he retires in February.
London-focused mixed-use property developer Quintain Estates & Development (QED) advances 2.2% to 107.3p on its net assets rising 7% to 122p in the 12 months to the end of March, while it sellsits 50% stake in the Hilton hotel at Wembley Park for £40 million.
Men's formalwear specialist Moss Bros (MOSB) is in fashion, up 6.1% to 104p on a better-than-expected AGM update. Over the fifteen weeks to 16 May, retail like-for-like sales grew strongly, with new ranges performing well, hire sales up and Moss Bros flagging improved gross margins year-on-year.
Stem cell specialist ReNeuron (RENE:AIM) rises 2.4% to 5.2p on US regulator the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) speeding up a decision on approving its eye disease treatment. This arrangement is reserved for companies trialing drugs that target unmet needs.
