Financial stocks also gained after JP Morgan Chase first quarter profits were in line with analyst expectations, net income fell 50% to $2.4 billion. The bank wrote down assets worth $5.1 billion.

Energy stocks climbed as crude oil prices rose to a record $114.95 per barrel. Rio Tinto surged 6% on the speculation that BHP may hike its $155 billion takeover bid, BHP rose 5.37% and Kazakymys Plc increased 3.58%.

Legal & General Group led decliners in the FTSE 100 index shares with a drop of 4.89% followed by losses in BAE Systems Plc of 2.35%, in Smith & Nephew of 1.94%, in Friends Provident Plc of 1.35%, and Diageo Plc of 0.66%.