FTSE 100 up 0.6, FTSE 250 adds 0.4

Aug 25 Reuters London39;s main stock index bounced off twoweek closing lows on Thursday, as investor sentiment steadied ahead of an annual conference of world central bankers and energy stocks got a lift from rising crude prices.

The bluechip FTSE 100 index had gained 0.6 by 0710 GMT and was set to snap three straight sessions of losses.

Oil majors Shell and BP rose more than 1 each, as crude prices were supported by the prospect of tighter supplies amid disruptions to Russian exports and the partial shutdown of a U.S. refinery.

Also boosting the index, Ireland39;s CRH climbed 3.9 after the building materials firm reported strong firsthalf results.

The domestically exposed FTSE 250 index gained 0.4 after sinking to a more than onemonth low in the previous session.

Hays Plc rose 6.3 after the recruitment agency reported a 128 jump in annual profit due to a rise in demand for new staff as employers rush to fill up vacancies.

Harbour Energy rose 7 after the UK North Sea39;s biggest oil and gas producer increased a share buyback programme by 50.

Reporting by Johann M Cherian and Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu

Source Reuters