Markets rally after weeks of turmoil

A very strong start to markets sets the tone for an interesting week ahead, including Brexit trade talks and the first 2020 US Presidential debate.

Biden has the lead in opinion polls but Trump has form on the stage.

“Equities rallied across Europe and Asia with financial stocks and drink makers in particular demand. HSBC led the banking sector after Chinese insurance group Ping An boosted its stake to 8% (from 7.95%) following recent share price weakness in the former. Diageo impressed investors with its latest trading update.

“The FTSE 100 jumped 1.6% to 5,934 while the domestic-focused FTSE 250 index advanced 1.1% to 17,232. The pound strengthened 0.4% against the US dollar at $1.2793,” says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.