FTSE 100 up 0.5, FTSE 250 flat
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Dec 19 Reuters UK39;s FTSE 100 edged higher on Monday, buoyed by energy firms and miners, though concerns about slowing economic growth kept investors on edge after major central banks stuck to their hawkish monetary policy stance last week.

The exportoriented FTSE 100 climbed 0.5, while the domestically focussed FTSE 250 was flat.

Energy firms and miners added 2.9 and 0.7, respectively, tracking upbeat oil and copper prices higher as loosening COVID curbs in topconsumer China aided demand recovery hopes.

It39;s a relief that with Christmas approaching, the worst of the bad news is over for now and that we are not going to get any more bad vibes from central banks, said Stuart Cole, head macro economist at Equiti Capital.

As UK markets enter into the final weeks of the year, the automobiles and parts sector is set to be the biggest loser on the index, down 58 so far.

The sector can be indicative of consumer sentiment because it highlights the fact that consumers are having a hard time with the costofliving at the moment, Cole said on a call, pointing out that sales of big ticket items such as cars could come under pressure.

The previous week saw the Bank of England raising rates as expected, but markets were ruffled by the central bank39;s comments that rates could go higher going forward. Consequently, the FTSE 100 posted its biggest weekly loss in over two months on Friday.

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