The FTSE 100 started the week on the front foot, gaining 1.1% to 6,166, as investors continued to back an economic revival with the focus now turning the start of the US earnings season. The risk-on stance saw metals, auto parts and industrials leading the market while telecoms and pharmaceuticals lagged. Asian shares were higher overnight with China’s Shanghai Composite up 1.8% and ...

London’s FTSE 100 added a further 117 points to trade at 7,470.5 on Monday, building on Friday’s impressive rally thanks to some of the bigger constituents taking a small step forward including banks, miners and tobacco stocks. Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct (SPD) sprinted 13.3% higher to 407.8p after the retailer reported a 58% rise in first half underlying pre-tax profit to £101.8m and ...