UK's FTSE 100 opened higher on Wednesday, boosted by a positive earnings update from insurer Aviva, although worries about Britain's gloomy economic outlook and interest rate rises weighed on the overall mood.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 (.FTSE) edged up 0.2% by 0809 GMT, mirroring a cautious mood across European markets.
Aviva (AV.L) climbed 1.8% after the insurer maintained its dividend guidance and capital returns outlook as it reported a positive end to trading for the year in its general insurance unit.
Airline stocks also got a lift after EasyJet (EZJ.L) said it expected to beat current market expectations for 2023 based on the strength of bookings into summer and was set to deliver a full-year profit. EasyJet jumped 6.6%, while Wizz Air (WIZZ.L) added 4.7%.
