FTSE 100 up 0.7, FTMC 250 up 0.5
EasyJet jumps on PT raise

Dec 3 Reuters The UK39;s benchmark FTSE 100 extended gains on Tuesday as a rise in oil prices lifted the heavyweight energy shares, while EasyJet jumped to a near eightmonth high after multiple brokerages raised their target price on the budget airline.

The bluechip FTSE 100 rose 0.7, while the midcap FTSE 250 was up 0.5 to its highest level since Oct. 30 at 1000 GMT. The benchmark index notched a sixweek high in the previous session.

The energy sector provided a major boost as it gained 1.7 after oil prices nudged higher ahead of the outcome of an OPEC meeting later this week.

Miners Rio Tinto, Antofagasta and Glencore advanced between 1 to 2.1, with copper prices rebounding following a selloff in the last session.

Among individual movers, British budget airline EasyJet gained 4 to the top of the bluechip index, as multiple brokerages including Morgan Stanley raised target price on the stock.

Marston39;s jumped 7 after the pub group said its Christmas bookings were running ahead of last year, following a 64.5 jump in annual profit, driven by a rise in food and drink sales.

SSP Group rose 10.6 as the Upper Crust owner reported a 23 jump in annual profit, in line with market expectations, partly buoyed by robust performance in North America and UK markets.

Victrex PLC was the biggest gainer on the midcap index, soaring 14, following its fullyear earnings report.

Meanwhile, British retailers reported…