U.K. shares edged slightly higher on Thursday. The benchmark FTSE 100 index advanced 0.35%, or 19.90 points, to 5,723.67. The FTSE All-Share Index gained 0.34%, or 10.01 points, to 2,977.03.
"Negative sentiment turned positive as Spanish bond yields retreated following an earlier spike, allowing investors to dip back into beaten-up equities," said Angus Campbell, the head of market analysis at Capital Spreads in London.
"With the global growth backdrop improving the U.K. economy could surprise to the upside. However, the U.K. remains on a path of austerity and growth remains weak," said Trevor Greetham, director of asset allocation at Fidelity Worldwide Investment in London.