The FTSE lost a step as the day went on, largely because the pound was also a big beneficiary of Boris Johnson’s retail announcement.
The UK index saw its gains roughly halved by lunchtime, though that still saw it up 50 points and the right side of 6050. The FTSE 250, meanwhile, was up close to 500 points, ecstatic at the thought of non-essential shops opening from June 15th. Sterling was similarly excited, climbing 1.2% against the dollar and half a percent against the euro.
Elsewhere the Eurozone maintained the morning’s gains following reports that both Germany and Spain are preparing to ease travel restrictions. The DAX climbed 0.9%, leaving it just shy of 11500, while the CAC rose 1.3%.
As for the Dow Jones, it is set for an assault on 25000 when things open up stateside, aiming to surge 230 points after the bell. That landmark level is going to be paired with another coronavirus milestone – the first day of in-person trading on the NYSE since lockdown began.
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