Insurance stocks have once again fuelled London's morning trade.
The FTSE 100 regained 4,100 in morning trade following a sharp rally in US results. The FTSE 100 rose 2.6% to 4,165, with banks and insurers accounting for half of the 104 point gain.
Prudential gained 7.2% after it reported a 34% rise in nine-month sales to £20.3bn. The company said current equity market conditions had increased interest in fixed-interest products.
Aviva rose to 476, adding 4.9%, after Insurance Australia Group confirmed it was in talks to buy its Australasian assets.
Royal & Sun Alliance also rose from 105.25 to 113.5.
