MARKET REPORT

IMPROVING economic data from China and unfounded fears US president Donald Trump could escalate the trade war helped the London Stock Exchange start the week in positive territory.

The FTSE 100 leading index of shares closed the day up 89.82 points at 6,166.42, and was also boosted by slightly improved manufacturing Purchase Managers’ Index data in the UK showing the sector has improved from record lows in April.

Construction firm Balfour Beatty announced it would scrap a planned final dividend. But investors appeared ready for the decision, with shares only closing down 0.4p at 250.2p.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Standard Chartered up 31.9p at 400.3p; Associated British Foods up 146p at 1,967p; and Pearson up 36.5p at 499.9p.

The biggest fallers were Hikma down 78p at 2,493p; and Reckitt Benckiser down 138p at 7,086p.