China virus scare spooks global equity markets
also 0.3% higher at €1.18.
Low cost airline EasyJet was in sharp focus among UK stocks, rising 5% – up 67p at 1517p – after the demise of rival Thomas Cook helped the business up its revenue guidance.
Chief executive Johan Lundgren said the carrier believes per-seat revenue grew by 1.5% because of the problems Thomas Cook faced, with overall revenue per seat increasing by 8.8% to £58.63 in the three months to December 31.
EasyJet said 22.2 million passengers flew on its planes in the quarter, an increase of 2.8% compared with the same period a year earlier.
But some of its long-haul rivals, such as British Airways owner International Airlines Group, suffered falls on the back of the coronavirus fears, which could impact travel to and from China.
IAG finished the session 3% lower, down 19.4p at 637.8p.
Dixons Carphone shares were also higher after its latest update, despite a mixed set of figures.
The stock surged 7% in the FTSE 250 after it maintained its full-year guidance.
It said sales in its electricals division – which includes Currys PC World – were up 2% on a like-for-like basis over the 10 weeks to January 4.
But its Carphone Warehouse arm saw sales fall 9% as the company gets to grips with the changing face of the market.
Dixons shares closed 10p higher at 152.5p.
The biggest FTSE 100 risers were EasyJet up 67p at 1517p, Legal & General ahead 5.4p at 307.6p, Melrose Industries 3.8p stronger at 241.7p.
The biggest FTSE 100 fallers were Evraz down 24.2p at 402p, Informa off 30.4p at 827p, Intercontinental Hotels Group 181p weaker at 4965p and International Airlines Group 19.4p lower at 637.8p.