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UK stocks opened higher on Tuesday as the pound weakened in the wake of Boris Johnson's expected appointment as Prime Minister, helping exporters.
At 0847, the benchmark FTSE 100 index was up 34.32 points, or 0.5%, at 7.549.25.
Consumer goods group PZ Cussons fell 0.9% as it booked a 38% fall in annual profit, after sales were hit by weak economic conditions in Nigeria and adverse foreign exchange movements.
The company said it was reviewing the growth potential of some of its 'non-core' brands and would ultimately focus more on its personal care and beauty categories. It would also streamline its activities in Nigeria.
Online trading house IG shed 0.5% on the back of an expected 31% fall in annual profit, pinned on stricter regulations and weaker market conditions.
Specialist insurer Beazley rose 2.7% after it posted a large rise in first-half profit, as it successfully pushed through rises in premium rates and generated higher returns from its investments.
Student accommodation developer Unite climbed 0.9%, despite booking a 12% fall in first-half profit owing to lower property valuation gains, as it boosted underlying earnings and hiked its dividend 8%.
Specialist lender Paragon Banking added 1.2% as it continued to grow the size of its mortgage and commercial lending books, while improving its net interest margin.
Auto retailer Motorpoint reversed 3.3% on guiding for a fall in first-half profit, though the company did say that it had seen some margin improvement in July.
Convenience store retailer McColl's Retail reversed 4.1%, as it it booked a fall in first-half profit, owing to lower margins in a 'highly competitive' market.
London and Johannesburg listed Packaging group Mondi gained 2.9% after it announced that it expected to post a substantial rise in first-half earnings.
IT focused recruitment company FDM lost 2.2%, despite posting a 9% rise in first-half profit, after it also reported weaker client demand in the UK and US during the second quarter.
Surveillance technology company Synectics shed 2.2% as it posted a 20% fall in first-half profit, owing to order deferrals hurting sales.