The FTSE 100 index found positive territory today despite Hong Kong shares falling after Alibaba sales came in below expectations.
Traders on both sides of the Atlantic have been lifted by signs that the US will avoid a debt default, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed the week near to a three-decade high as the weak yen continues to benefit overseas-earning stocks.
London’s upbeat mood was reflected in the latest update from FTSE 100-listed conglomerate Smiths Group, which raised its full-year revenues guidance for the third time this year.
