United Kingdom: FTSE 100 Rises for 2nd Day.

The FTSE 100 rose 1.4% on Wednesday after a 0.7% gain in the previous session, extending its rebound on easing oil prices and hopes of a de-escalation in Middle East tensions. The index booked a second straight day of gains as crude fell below $100 per barrel for the first time since Monday, helping to calm inflation concerns. Banks and miners are leading gains. HSBC Holdings rose more than 2%, Lloyds Banking added 1.9% and Barclays gained 2.3%. Endeavour advanced over 4%, Fresnillo almost 3% and Anglo American 3.3%. AstraZeneca and GSK rose 1.9% and 3.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, UK inflation held steady at 3% in February, though the data is seen as outdated as it predates the recent escalation in the Middle East.