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FTSE edges higher as energy stocks climb

FTSE edges higher as energy stocks climb
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Early stock market trading today (December 22nd) has resulted in the FTSE 100 climbing 0.7 per cent on the back of gaining energy firms.

The index was up 36.56 points to 5,330.55 at 09:13 GMT, Reuters reports, extending the gains that were recorded yesterday.

Royal Dutch Shell, Tullow Oil, BG Group and BP were all up by as much as 1.5 per cent after the price of crude oil steadied at around $74 (£45) per barrel.

Mining firms were also higher, as Lonmin, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto Kazakhmys and Randgold Resources began the day with gains of between 0.3 per cent and 1.4 per cent.

However, Tui Travel and Thomas Cook both declined, as the recent bad weather across the UK and parts of Europe forced people to rethink their Christmas travel plans.

This is the second morning session in a row that the FTSE has gained, after it was pushed higher by strong banking and energy stocks yesterday.

Posted by Chris WeaverADNFCR-1681-ID-19526106-ADNFCR