London stocks edged higher in early trade on Friday despite weaker opening calls, as investors digested better-than-expected UK retail sales data.
At 0850 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.3% at 7,279.76.
Figures released earlier by the Office for National Statistics showed retail sales unexpectedly jumped in November, boosted by strong demand for clothing and a bumper Black Friday.
Retail sales volumes rose by 1.4% in November, following growth of 1.1% in October, which was revised up from 0.8%. The November increase was above consensus, with most analysts looking for growth closer to 0.8%.
Jarvis Investment Management Ltd offers a wide range of stockbroking and administration services and solutions. Their parent company, Jarvis Securities plc (LON:JIM) is listed on AIM.