Cash pledges boost for FTSE

Markets have been enjoying promises of cash from central banks and governments to ensure against a global depression.

Yesterday was no different, and the FTSE 100 closed the day up 127.53 points, or 2.24%, to 5,815.73, shrugging off a huge surge in jobless claims in the US.

Traders took heart from G20 leaders offering $5 trillion (£4.11 trillion) support for the global economy, and hoped for positive news from UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

His announcement that the self-employed can claim similar levels of support to those in full-time roles is likely to boost markets today.

The pound jumped against the dollar by 2.3% to 1.216 and rose against the euro by 0.97% to 1.103.

DEPARTURE: John Warrender became chief executive of Decom North Sea in August 2018, and no reason has been given for why he has left