FTSE 100 up 0.5, FTSE 250 adds 0.3

May 3 Reuters UK stocks rose on Wednesday after a sharp selloff in the previous session, with markets keenly awaiting the U.S. Federal Reserve39;s interest rate decision later in the day.

The bluechip index was up 0.5 as of 0723 GMT and the midcaps index rose 0.3.

Most sectors were positive, with base metals and precious metal miners up nearly 1 each.

Investors expect a 25 basis point hike from the Fed at its policy rate announcement at 1800 GMT, with focus on how long interest rates would stay high.

Among corporate results, CocaCola HBC AG gained 1.6 as the company forecast fullyear profit growth to be at the top end of its guidance, aided by robust demand for its soft drinks and executed price increases.

Haleon lost 3.5 as the world39;s biggest standalone consumer health business reported firstquarter profit below analyst expectations.

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda lost 1.4 on reporting a narrower quarterly pretax loss and maintaining its 2023 outlook.

Reporting by Shristi Achar A in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema

Source Reuters