The FTSE 100 is up 0.6% at 6,863.3, taking its cue from a positive session on Wall Street overnight and ahead of the Autumn Statement at 12.30pm.
Travel operator Thomas Cook (TCG) gains 3.7% to 76.3p as it announces its first dividend in five years alongside full year results and reports 'encouraging' summer bookings for 2017. Profit after tax more than halves year-on-year to £9m, reflecting the pressure on the industry from a string of terrorist attacks, although this is in line with the guidance given in a third quarter update.
Utility provider United Utilities (UU.) ticks up 1.2% to 905.5p as it reports a slight year-on-year increase in first half operating profit to £312.5m and announces a 1.1% hike in the dividend.
The first set of results from respiratory drug specialist Vectura (VEC) since its merger with Skyepharma get a positive response, the shares trading 3.5% higher at 151.5p. First half revenue is up 183% to £73.9m and adjusted earnings per share gains 208% to 3.7p.
Online trading platform CMC Markets (CMC) falls 3.3% to 196.5p as it posts a 29% fall in first half pre-tax profit to £18.8m thanks to lower client activity.
Property agents Countrywide (CWD), Foxtons (FOXT) and LSL Property Services (LSL) fall 6% to 192.4p, 8.8% to 112p and 6.9% to 202.9p respectively amid speculation Chancellor Philip Hammond will crack down letting fees in today's Autumn Statement. Lettings specialist Belvoir Lettings (BLV:AIM) also suffers a big fall, down 9.2% to 113p.
Industrial services firm Brammer (BRAM) gains 68.6% to 164.4p on a recommended £221.5m cash offer from AI Robin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of funds managed by Advent International.
Property investor Hammerson (HMSO) is broadly flat at 552p as it announces a €587m deal to buy four outlet centres in Europe as part of its VIA Outlets joint venture.
Software outfit ServicePower (SVR:AIM) is up 81% to 4.75p after last night's revelation it would reject an offer from Jonas Computing and was in discussions with Diversis Capital over a 6p cash bid.
