UK stocks cheer Brexit trade deal after long weekend

UK shares rallied on Tuesday as investors returned from a long weekend to cheer a post-Brexit trade deal that averted a chaotic finale to the tortuous divorce.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index gained 1.5% in early trading and was on course for its biggest percentage gain in four weeks, while the domestically focussed FTSE 250 index climbed 0.8% to hit its highest level since Feb. 25.

With UK markets closed on Friday and Monday for Christmas and Boxing Day respectively, investors took heart from the confirmation last week of a Brexit trade deal.

AstraZeneca rose 4.3% to give the biggest boost to the FTSE 100, while shares in other international firms such as Unilever (LON:ULVR) and Diageo (LON:DGE) gained despite a firming pound. [GBP/]