The FTSE 100 enjoyed a bright start on Tuesday, as news broke shop price inflation was at its lowest level in nearly two and a half years.
Shop prices climbed by 0.8% in April, against 1.3% in March, as non-food items even fell, the British Retail Consortium reported.
Among companies, a busy day of reports saw HSBC rise early on, as its chief executive unveiled a $3 billion share buyback but also his retirement on a first-quarter earnings beat.
Premier Inn owner Whitbread fell after announcing 1,500 job cuts within its struggling food business, which includes brands Brewers Fayre and Beefeater.
FTSE 250-listed Card Factory (LSE:CARD) soared after reinstating its dividend on improved profit last year.
And finally, Morrisons announced the £2.5 billion sale of its petrol forecourts to tackle its mounting debt pile.