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* FTSE 100 up 0.5%, FTSE 250 adds 0.2%
June 19 (Reuters) - London shares rose on Friday as a sharp
rebound in retail sales in May bolstered hopes of a swift
economic recovery from a pandemic-driven slump, while energy
shares tracked a gain in oil prices.
The FTSE 100 .FTSE was up 0.5% and on course to rise for
the fourth week in five as optimism around the revival in
business activity overshadowed concerns of further lockdowns
following a surge in infections in the United States and China.
Data on Friday showed retail sales volumes in May surged by
a record 12% amid an easing in the nationwide shutdown imposed
to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The mid-cap FTSE 250 .FTMC added 0.2%, with auto
.FTNMX3350 , banking .FTNMX8350 and food and beverage
.FTNMX3530 stocks leading gains.
BP Plc BP.L and Royal Dutch Shell Plc RDSa.L were among
the biggest boosts to the FTSE 100 as oil prices rose on a
pledge by OPEC and allies to meet their supply cut commitments.
O/R