Election hopes support UK mid-caps, financials buoy FTSE

British blue-chips held steady on Monday as financial stocks supported the index after its worst weekly performance in four, while mid-caps continued to benefit from polls ahead of a snap election in the country.

The FTSE 100 was little changed by 0805 GMT. The FTSE 250 outshone, rising 0.3% thanks to gains in the local currency on hopes that Conservatives will win the December election and deliver Brexit. Stand out movers included IQE which plunged 20% after the tech firm warned on results amid issues with two of its main customers, while Consort Medical sky-rocketed 44% and past the 10.1 pounds a share bid from Sweden's Recipharm.