Retail figures boost traders

The FTSE 100 edged up 68.53 points, or 1.1%, to 6,292.60, with new UK retailing figures helping to lighten the mood.

Sales volumes partly rebounded last month, up 12% after a record drop in April, but were still down by 13.1% on February before the impact of the pandemic.

The Office for National Statistics said non-food stores delivered the biggest contribution to growth in May, boosted by DIY outlets opening up again, while a record 33.4% of total sales were online.

Euan Murray, relationship director