London's FTSE 100 advances on hopes of monetary stimulus

UK blue-chips edged higher on Wednesday, buoyed by hopes of monetary stimulus from central banks as economic growth slows due to a prolonged trade war, while signs of a thaw in U.S.-China trade dispute also lifted sentiment. The FTSE 100 was 0.4% higher by 0713 GMT, while the midcap index was up 0.3%.

Asia-facing financials and mining heavyweights were powering gains for the main course after a report that China will introduce important measures to ease the negative impact of the trade war with the United States. Another news working in favor of multinational stocks was a move from China to exempt 16 types of U.S. products from additional retaliatory tariffs.

Smaller companies recorded some sharp moves in early deals, with Capital & Regional jumping 15% after the company said Growthpoint Properties was in talks to buy a majority stake and Gulf Marine Services plunging 13% after delaying results.

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