UK stocks : FTSE 100 index gains 0.2 pct
UK stock closing: British blue-chip stocks edged up on Tuesday after a choppy day as the index managed to consolidate above 6,100 despite testing support with concerns weighing over the U.S. debt ceiling and growth in Europe.
The FTSE 100 twice dipped below the 6,100 level, but recovered both times following weakness in early and midday trade.
The index closed up 9.45 points, or 0.2 percent, at 6,117.31, having been down as much as 0.4 percent, but was still 0.3 percent lower than the new 4-1/2 year high of 6,133.41 posted in Monday's trade.
"The FTSE 100 index has pushed above the previous high area around 6,105 - the 2011 high - calling for further advance," Nicolas Suiffet, technical analyst at Trading Central, said.
"Despite the positive weekly indicators, the momentum seems to fade away and a consolidation could occur in the short term ahead of a new up-leg."
Burberry Group led blue chip gainers, adding 4.6 percent after the British luxury brand posted a 9 percent rise in third-quarter underlying revenue.
"Given the concerns surrounding the brand since the profit warning, this acceleration should support sentiment in the shares," BofA ML said in a note, raising its rating to 'buy' from 'neutral', and upgrading its earnings forecasts by up to 4 percent.
Tuesday's share price hike in early trade has restored Burberry to levels last seen in September, just before it shed over 20 percent after issuing a profit warning.
Despite trading at a relatively high forward 12-month price-to-earnings multiple of 17.9, top-rated analysts in the sector
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