The FTSE 100 notched up yet another intraday high of 8,185 as a busy week of earnings got underway.
Royal Mail owner IDS was among the early risers after news broke of unexpected support from its main trade union to cut the firm’s letter delivery obligations.
Hipgnosis also climbed after agreeing to terms on a new, higher takeover offer from Blackstone, which would value the music management company at US$1.57 billion.
Investors in British Airways parent IAG seemed undeterred by comments from EU regulators that its takeover of Air Europa could be anti-competitive as shares climbed.
And finally, insurer Beazley fell as the market opened after announcing higher insurance written premiums for the first quarter, but a dip in its cyber risks wing.