The FTSE 100 index closed up 0.9% at 7,681 points, outperforming peers driven by heavyweight oil giant BP's better-than-expected 4Q earnings and the launch of a large share buyback. Among the worst performers, Pearson shares fell 3% and the telecommunications group BT shares closed down 2.5%. ---React Group Swings to Profit After Benefits from Acquisitions Flow ThroughReact Group said it swung to a pretax profit after revenue rose on acquisition contributions and strategic business decisions. ---Virgin Money UK Backs Guidance Citing Momentum at Start of the YearVirgin Money UK posted a stable net interest margin for its first quarter and said that its deposits rose as it flagged good momentum for the start of fiscal 2024. (philip.waller@wsj.com)---European Oil Shares Gain on BP 4Q, Middle East Jitters1318 GMT - Oil shares rise after upbeat annual results from BP and as crude prices rise amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 06, 2024 17:35 UTC