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FTSE 100 stages afternoon rally to close higher | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
(Close): UK shares staged an afternoon rally, helped by a strong start on Wall Street. | |
The FTSE 100 closed up 0.87%, or 53 points, to 6,137.6, led by engineering firm Weir Group. | |
B&Q and Screwfix owner Kingfisher was the biggest faller on the 100 index. | |
Its shares fell 2% after reporting first-half results showing a weak performance in its French business, where it runs Castorama and Brico Depot chains. | |
The company also announced it was considering a big expansion of its Screwfix chain, with potential for another 200 stores. | |
Overall, investors are expected to remain cautious ahead of the US interest rate decision later this week. | Overall, investors are expected to remain cautious ahead of the US interest rate decision later this week. |
On Thursday, the Federal Reserve will decide on whether to raise US rates for the first time in nine years. | On Thursday, the Federal Reserve will decide on whether to raise US rates for the first time in nine years. |
"Ahead of what looks like the most vital Fed meeting in years, the best thing for markets to do would be simply to sit still and wait for Thursday afternoon," said Chris Beauchamp, market analyst at IG. | |
"With that being impossible, they have opted for the second choice, namely running around in circles," he added. | |
Credit checking agency Experian was one of the biggest risers, climbing 1.7% after HSBC raised its rating on the stock to "buy". | |
Shares in online grocer Ocado jumped 3% in early trade, but by the close stood just 0.7% higher. | |
The firm reported gross retail sales of £252m in the 12 weeks to 9 August, up 15.3% from a year earlier. | |
On the currency markets, the pound fell 0.48% against the dollar at $1.5353 and was flat against the euro at €1.3628. |