UK and European markets closed higher, shaking off some of the negative sentiment seen at the start of the new quarter after euro zone inflation fell more than expected.
The dollar index held near its highest level in over four months, pinning the yen close to its lowest in decades, though the increased threat of currency intervention by Tokyo capped further declines in the Japanese currency.
Oil prices extended gains as a larger than expected fall in U.S. crude inventories and escalating geopolitical tensions raised investor worries about tighter supplies.
Gold took a breather as growing tensions in the Middle East and U.S. interest rate cut hopes continued to push investors to the safe-haven asset.
International Distributions Services proposed an end to daily Second Class deliveries by Royal Mail on Wednesday, in its submission to Ofcom on the future of the Universal Service, in a bid to save up to £300m per year.
The FTSE 250 company said the response came in light of Ofcom's conclusion that Universal Service reform was needed, due to a significant decline in letter volumes over recent years.
It said Royal Mail's proposal, developed after extensive consultation with various stakeholders, aimed to address evolving customer needs while ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and financial sustainability of the service.
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