London’s FTSE 100 index edged higher on Tuesday, shrugging off concerns about upcoming central bank decisions and economic data releases. The blue-chip benchmark closed 0.2% higher at 7,738.30, led by gains in consumer goods giant Unilever.

Unilever jumped 3.1% after unveiling plans to spin off its ice cream business and cut 7,500 jobs as part of a broader reorganisation effort. The company aims to accelerate its “growth action plan” and achieve cost savings of around €800 million over three years, offsetting dis-synergies from separating the ice cream unit.

Elsewhere, the FTSE 250 midcap index slipped 0.3%, with PureTech Health jumping 8.1% after announcing plans to return $100 million to shareholders through a tender offer. In contrast, Crest Nicholson plummeted 9.1% after warning of a potential £15 million charge linked to defects in some legacy projects.

The FTSE AIM All-Share index fell 0.2% to close at 735.56.

Sofa retailer DFS fell 6.0% as it slashed its interim dividend and lowered full-year profit guidance amid weakening demand.

Daily Risers and Fallers

FTSE All-Share risers:
Vanquis Banking 10%, PureTech 9.3%, Sabre Insurance 7.2%, Gulf Marine Services 7%, Zotefoams 5.7%.
FTSE All-Share fallers:
Crest Nicholson 9.1%, Ceres Power 7.1%, Dfs Furniture 6%, Regional Reit 5.5%, Digital 9 5.5%.

Daily Recap

Subscribe to Investomania for more FTSE news and updates.