The FTSE 100 was in a sunnier mood on Wednesday, up 0.9% to 7,333.25 amid hopes of a move towards resolution of the US-China trade war.
Mike Ashley steered retailer Sports Direct (SPD) was up 1.4% ahead of a crunch AGM at 11am.
Home builder Galliford Try (GFRD) gained 0.6% to 668p, even as it booked a fall in first-half profit, which came as little surprise to the market amid a slump in construction activity.
Security services provider Serco (SRP) rose 0.5% to 149.83p on securing a two-year contract extension from the Australian government to provide onshore immigration detention facilities and detainee services.
Advertising company S4 Capital (SFOR) gained 2.2% to 141.05, despite booking a first-half loss owing to acquisition and hiring costs.
The young company, founded by former WPP (WPP) chief executive Martin Sorrel, also reported a 42% rise in revenue and said it expected 'stronger second-half momentum'.
Wealth manager Man Group added 0.9% to 170.15p, even as it announced that Jonathan Sorrell would stand down as president and executive director to take on a new role elsewhere.
Wound-care dressing supplier Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS:AIM) slumped 9.1% to 255.5p after its profit was dented by falling US revenue blamed on competition and delayed product launches.
Property portal OnTheMarket (OTMP:AIM) firmed 4.3% to 96.5p after it inked a listing and advertising agreement with housebuilder Barratt Developments (BDEV).
Facilities management company Mitie (MTO) was unchanged at 150p as it announced that chief financial officer Paul Woolf was leaving to take up the same role at intellectual property management company CPA Global.
Performance nutrition company Science in Sport (SIS:AIM) gained 0.6% to 52.82p, on announcing that it had appointed former ASOS (ASC:AIM) operational finance director James Simpson as its new chief financial officer.
