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The U.K. market is up firmly in positive territory around noon on Thursday with stocks from mining and energy sectors finding good support.<\/p>\n
Investors, reacting to some corporate news, are also looking ahead to the European Central Bank’s policy announcement, and the U.S. inflation data due later in the day.<\/p>\n
The benchmark FTSE 100 was up 51.71 points or 0.56% at 9,277.10 a little before noon.<\/p>\n
BAE Systems is up 4.2%. Compass Group is gaining nearly 3% following a rating upgrade by Deutsche Bank. Airtel Africa, Fresnillo, Associated British Foods, Diploma, Babcock International, Imperial Brands, Pearson, ICG and BP are up 1 to 2%.<\/p>\n
Playtech is up nearly 5% after the gambling technology<\/span> company announced strong first-half results and said it is positioned to exceed full-year expectations.<\/p>\n Online ticketing platform Trainline is soaring nearly 10% following a robust first-half trading statement.<\/p>\n Gas producer Energean gave up some gains after a sharp upmove, and is up 0.7%. The stock is up despite the company cutting its annual production forecast for the second time in nearly four months.<\/p>\n M&G is declining by about 3.2%. Kingfisher is down 1.7%, while Experian and Segro are lower by about 1.1% and 1%, respectively.<\/p>\n Ashtead Group, Whitbread, Auto Trader Group, Glencore, Rightmove and Standard Chartered are down 0.5 to 0.9%. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Market Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n