London's FTSE 100 enjoyed a better start on Tuesday following a slight dip at the start of the week.
Retail figures early on showed sales across the sector ticked up by 1% in August and outdid growth in July, driven by food products and aided by warmer weather.
Among companies, packaging firm DS Smith moved higher after reassuring investors a planned £5.8 billion takeover by International Paper was on track despite concerns it could be axed.
Watches of Switzerland soared in the meantime, having reiterated full-year guidance and highlighted improving conditions in the UK and US in its report.
And finally, Wizz Air also climbed after announcing passenger numbers hit a record in August despite ongoing groundings due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues.