Stocks firmer as peace talks begin | Business

Renewed confidence that another round of peace talks may bring an end to the war in Ukraine gave London’s stock markets a lift this morning.

The FTSE 100 added 93.26 points, or 1.3 per cent, to 7,566.13 and the more UK-focused FTSE 250 improved 240.24 points, or 1.1 per cent, to 21,309.78.

Coca Cola HBC, the bottling company, has been under heavy selling pressure of late. The FTSE 100 company, which faced a backlash for not pulling out of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, has fallen nearly 20 per cent since the conflict started. Today it benefited from modest bargain hunting, up 85½p, or 5.4 per cent, to £16.75, making it one of the top blue-chip risers.

The insurer Admiral rose 62p, or