FTSE rises despite Boris Johnson going into intensive care
The FTSE 100 has risen 2.45 per cent in early trading, despite last night’s news that the prime minister is in intensive care for coronavirus.
As at 08:32, the blue-chip index stood at 5,719 points as investors were heartened by signs that the coronavirus pandemic is slowing. This follows gains in strong US and Asian markets overnight as well as a decent session for the FTSE on Monday when it rose more than 3 per cent.
Performance of FTSE 100 members at Tue opening
Source: London Stock Exchange
The number of new coronavirus cases appears to have steadied in several countries in the past few days, offering hope that the lockdown measures put in place in many parts of the world are starting to have an effect.
Meanwhile, prime minister Boris Johnson was admitted to intensive care yesterday after failing to recovery from coronavirus. He had been self-isolating because of the virus, while working remotely to head the UK’s response to the pandemic.
Statement from Downing Street on Johnson’s admission to intensive care
On the news that prime minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care for coronavirus, a Number 10 spokesperson said last night: “Since Sunday evening, the prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
“Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.
“The PM has asked foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who is the first secretary of state, to deputise for him where necessary.
“The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.”