India, May 2 -- UK stocks are up in positive territory on Friday, in line with other major markets in Europe, amid optimism over easing U.S.-China trade relations. Investors are also reacting to a slew of earnings announcements.
The benchmark FTSE 100, moving in a tight range, was up 66.65 points or 0.79% at 8,563.45 a little while ago.
Haleon is up 3.7% and Melrose Industries is gaining 3.3%. Rentokil Initial, Compass Group, Babcock International, Anglo American Plc and Persimmon are up 2 to 2.7%.
Shell is up 2.7%. The oil and gas major announced a share buyback programme of $3.5 billion, despite reporting weak first-quarter results. Looking ahead, for the second quarter, the company projects Integrated Gas production to be approximatel...