S& P 500 hits all time highs U.S.-Japan trade deal optimism
(For a live blog on European stocks, type LIVE/ in an Eikon
news window)
* FTSE 100 up 0.3%, FTSE 250 up 0.2%
* China GDP in line with expectations
* IAG among top boosts to main index
* Hastings slides, drags peer Admiral lower
Jan 17 (Reuters) - London's FTSE 100 joined a rally in
global bourses on Friday as China's economic growth met
expectations despite its trade war with the United States, while
IAG jumped after it scrapped a rule capping ownership of its
shares by non-Europeans.
China's 2019 growth of 6.1% was its weakest in nearly three
decades, but signs of an improvement in business confidence
after de-escalation of its trade dispute with Washington gave
investors cause for comfort. The FTSE 100 .FTSE added 0.3%, partly boosted by British
Airways-owner IAG ICAG.L , which rose 4.3% to its highest level
since Sept. 2018.
NMC Health NMC.L climbed 6% to the top of the blue-chip
bourse after an independent review committee tapped a former
Federal Bureau of Investigation director to compile a report on
allegations by U.S. firm Muddy Waters. The midcap FTSE 250 .FTMC advanced 0.2%. But motor insurer
Hastings HSTG.L slid 8% after it forecast a slump in annual
earnings and lower dividend, and dragged blue-chip peer Admiral
ADML.L down 4%.