Suitors, holidays and jets

Blue-chips started on the front foot encouraged by Wall Street's positive finish to an up-and-down day and ahead of today's UK retail PMI numbers and eagerly-awaited US unemployment figures.

“The London Stock Exchange has given a clear signal over its preferred suitor,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“The LSE’s full year results, which showed a 31% rise in adjusted pre-tax profits, were accompanied by very positive comments about the benefits of the proposed merger with Deutsche Boerse. LSE group chief executive Xavier Rolet describing it as a compelling opportunity to strengthen each other in an industry-defining combination. Significantly, there was no mention of a possible counter offer by Intercontinental Exchange, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange.

“Leisure travel and distribution & logistics group Dart topped the AIM list after forecasting that operating profits will be slightly ahead of expectations. Investors were also encouraged by forward bookings for this summer and an increase in the number of package holiday customers.

“Low-cost airline easyJet was up in early trading after February passenger figures rose by 9.8%. On a rolling 12-month basis, passenger figures are up by 7.5%.”

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