London stocks track Asia gains, no-deal Brexit fears simmer

The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up 0.3% by 0802 GMT, led by financial, energy and consumer discretionary stocks, as Asian shares hit a record high following positive vaccine news. The domestically focussed FTSE 250, considered a barometer of Brexit sentiment, rose 0.2%.

London-listed shares followed Asian markets higher on Wednesday on hopes that working COVID-19 vaccines would speed up economic recovery, although fears of a no-deal Brexit capped gains on the mid-cap index. The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up 0.3% by 0802 GMT, led by financial, energy and consumer discretionary stocks, as Asian shares hit a record high following positive vaccine news.

The domestically focussed FTSE 250, considered a barometer of Brexit sentiment, rose 0.2%. Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to Brussels on Wednesday for dinner with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a last ditch attempt to avoid a tumultuous no-trade deal Brexit in three weeks' time.

In company news, retailer Tesco rose 1.9% as it said all conditions had been satisfied for the $10.6 billion sale of its businesses in Thailand and Malaysia to C.P. Retail Development Co.