London stocks were set to rise at the open on Wednesday following a positive Asian session, as investors eye the latest reading on the UK services sector.

London’s blue chip index closed at 7105.72 points yesterday up 24 points, or 0.3%, with BP among the risers, over 5% higher, after the oil group said a higher dividend and more share buybacks would come.

London stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday, underpinned by solid results from Legal & General and Taylor Wimpey, as investors eyed the latest reading on the UK services sector.