Energy, miners lead gains
Johnson Matthey down on lower profits
FTSE 100 up 0.4, FTSE 250 off 0.3

Nov 23 Reuters Commoditylinked stocks lifted the FTSE 100 on Wednesday, as investors awaited UK39;s business activity data and the U.S. Federal Reserve39;s meeting minutes that could offer clues on the pace of monetary policy tightening.

The bluechip FTSE 100 rose 0.4, touching a fresh twomonth high. Energy stocks climbed 1.5 as crude oil prices inched higher on data showing a largerthanexpected U.S. crude drawdown.

Miners climbed 2.0, extending Tuesday39;s recovery.

Asian and European markets were steady as investors looked to the release of the Fed39;s November meeting minutes amid hopes that the central bank will shift to smaller interest rate hikes.

A flash estimate of UK39;s business activity in November is due at 0930 GMT, with the numbers expected to signal a contraction, hit by towering inflation and a costofliving crisis.

The domestically focused FTSE 250 midcaps lost 0.3, with Johnson Matthey shedding 7.2 after the chemicals maker reported a slightly lower halfyearly profit.

Pets at Home lost 3.1 after Britain39;s largest pet supplies retailer reported a lower firsthalf profit, hurt by a surge in freight and energy costs amid rising inflation.

Reporting by Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Dhanya Ann Thoppil

Source Reuters