FTSE 100 CLOSE: Index leaps as markets eye covid back-to-work strategies

Outside markets and car dealerships opened their doors, in a move hoped by investors to get people used to heading into town to shop and spend money again.

Trading ended last week on a negative, with the FTSE-100 closing down more than 2.2% on Friday. That had been due to fears President Donald Trump's scheduled speech would be extremely aggressive towards China over its actions against Hong Kong. In the event, when he spoke after the European markets ended, he was less hawkish. While he suggested Hong Kong's special status of lower tariffs than China would be lost, he did not go as far as saying he would unravel phase one of the existing trade agreement.

That boosted the likes of HSBC and Standard Chartered when trading opens later this morning. They were up 3% and 5% respectively.

A note from brokers at Jefferies yesterday suggested clients invest in Standard Chartered but downgraded its view on HSBC to "hold" will add to the debate on how to trade the Hong Kong situation.

Its argument was that HSBC has a higher exposure towards Hong Kong commercial properties than Standard Chartered although both had seen their shares battered since China's declaration that it would impose security laws from Beijing.

Elsewhere, aero engines maker Rolls-Royce and airlines drove the FTSE-100 northwards, with Carnival, IAG and Rollers all up 6% and 7%.

Brexit negotiations will resume centre stage this week as markets seek more reassurance that Britain is not going to crash out with a no-deal. There appeared little sign of conciliatory noises over the weekend.