London stocks gain on U.S. stimulus hopes, surge in GVC Holdings

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index gained 0.3%, with construction and travel stocks leading the gains. The mid-cap index gained 0.4%. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is considering additional local COVID-19 restrictions for parts of northern England as the second wave of the novel coronavirus accelerates, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Thursday.

London shares rose on Thursday, supported by a positive global mood on hopes of a partial U.S. stimulus and a surge in bookmaker GVC Holdings following upbeat earnings, although gains were capped on worries about more coronavirus curbs in the UK. The blue-chip FTSE 100 index gained 0.3%, with construction and travel stocks leading the gains. The mid-cap index gained 0.4%.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is considering additional local COVID-19 restrictions for parts of northern England as the second wave of the novel coronavirus accelerates, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Thursday. In a heavy earnings day, Ladbrokes and bwin owner GVC Holdings surged 7% on raising its outlook for annual core earnings after posting a 12% rise in its revenue for the third quarter.

British tobacco company Imperial Brands rose 1.3% on forecasting its full-year net revenue to be broadly flat and in line with market estimates.