FTSE 100 got September off to a strong start as investors awoke from their summer slumber.
London’s blue-chip index rose 53 to 7,172 in early dealings.
Nationwide’s latest house price survey showed the average price of a UK is now around £248,800, up 11% year on year. Prices are now 13% higher than before the pandemic.
Shell plans to double the number of its electric car charging points in the UK over the next three years. The FTSE 100 energy company wants a network of 50,000 street charging points by 2024.
Meanwhile, North Sea oil and gas investment has dropped to its lowest level since 1973. Only £3.7 billion was invested in the UK Continental Shelf during 2020 as demand for oil slumped, said the UK trade body.
Among the small caps, Eurasia Mining PLC (AIM:EUA) shares rose on a statement that said it is making significant progress at its West Kytlim mine. The stock has risen recently but it remains below a private placing price carried out last May.
Quadrise Fuels International PLC bioMSAR fuel product has outperformed marine diesel in tests for efficiency and emissions. The company's new low carbon alternative to heavy fuel oil was analysed in Finland.
MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd posted a strong jump in sales of cannabis-based medicines. The firm forecast continued growth, especially in the Australian market.