FTSE 100 off to a strong start as Trump rows back on tariffs - Market Report

The FTSE 100 surged at the open following a strong session on Wall Street overnight and a suggestion of a possible de-escalation of China tariffs by US president Donald Trump. 

Just over an hour into trading, the blue-chip index is up 134 points, or 1.6% at 8,462.Top of the risers is Croda International, up more than 7% on the back of a first-quarter sales update. 

China-focused lender Standard Chartered is up 5%, helped by Trump's rowing back on tariff talk. BP is up more than 4% and Shell is also higher as oil prices continue to recover, with Brent crude up more than 1% to over $68 a barrel. 

Babcock International also making gains this morning on a strong set of prelims, with growth in all four divisions contributing to a 17% rise in underlying operating profit to £363 million.

And a first-quarter update from Reckitt Benckiser shows strong sales of condoms and growth in emerging markets helped offset weaker trading in Europe, North America and the Home division.