Travel stocks continue ascent as London markets post mixed open 

Travel stocks continued their ascent today in a positive day for London markets.

The capital’s premier FTSE 100 index closed 0.38 per cent higher at 7,672.40 points, while the domestically-focused FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, added 0.11 per cent to finish at 22,207.75 points.

Airline stocks continued their recovery after anchoring the City’s gains in mid-week.

British Airways owner IAG was among the top risers on the FTSE 100, climbing 1.91 per cent. 

Meanwhile, on the FTSE 250 index, short haul airline Wizz Air topped the table of biggest, advancing 6.5 per cent.

Fellow short haul airline easyJet and travel operator Tui gained 3.94 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively.

Prospects for international travel soon returning to pre-pandemic levels have strengthened after the UK government indicated this week it could scrap remaining Covid-19 curbs this month, lifting sentiment toward travel stocks. 

Consumer goods giant Unilever was one of the worst performers in London today after it said soaring costs will force it to hike prices.

A downbeat set of results sent Unilever’s shares tumbling 1.29 per cent.

Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: “As with many other companies across various sectors, the spectre of high input cost inflation has been a major challenge for Unilever, with commodity, freight and packaging costs providing a headwind.”

The pound gained ground on the greenback, strengthening 0.6 per cent to buy $1.3613.