FTSE 100 up 0.8, FTSE 250 adds 0.2
Investment Banking and Brokerage, energy shares lead broad gains
UK wage growth in line with estimates
Frasers shares jump as co reports higher annual profit

July 18 Reuters London stocks rose on Thursday amid a raft of mixed corporate earnings, while investors parsed data that showed growth in British wages slowed but remained at levels that would be too high for the Bank of England to keep inflation at its 2 target.

The bluechip FTSE 100 index was up 0.8, set for its best day in two months, if gains hold. The midcap FTSE 250 index gained 0.2, as of 0709 GMT.

Data showed that average weekly earnings excluding bonuses a key gauge of inflation pressure for the BoE as it considers whether to cut interest rates next month grew by 5.7 in a threemonth period ended May, compared with a year earlier.

Following the release of the data, money markets raised the odds of an interest rate cut next month at 39.1 from 30. Consumer prices index figures on Wednesday showed inflation held at 2, against expectations of 1.9 in June.

Heavyweight energy shares tracked oil prices higher to be among the top gainers in London, with a 1.4 climb.

On earnings front, Frasers jumped 7.6 to top the FTSE 100 after the British sportswear and apparel retailer reported a 13.1 rise in annual profit and forecast more growth in its new financial year.

It boosted the retail sector, which gained nearly 1.

Diploma Plc was the top loser on FTSE 100 with a 3.1…