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Stock trading specialist Peter Dixon of Commerzbank told Reuters: "I think [it's] an expression of the fact that the UK banks and indeed many banks are expected to pass the stress tests quite easily tomorrow."
Energy shares also rose, with Royal Dutch Shell in the lead, gaining 1.2 per cent, while BP added one per cent and BG Group performed well, expanding its value by 0.7 per cent.
Results of the examinations of bank financial strength are expected tomorrow, with experts predicting a positive outcome for Greece, Italy and Ireland.
South-west Europe is not forecast to fare so well, as some see impending test failure for Spain and Portugal.
US data gave a boost to trading today, with City Index market strategist Joshua Raymond citing Morgan Stanley's results, saying: "There's just generally a bit more optimism."
Posted by Greg Secker
