Blue-chip shares headed cautiously higher today after a Greek parliamentary vote approving the terms of its 85 billion euro (£61 billion) bail-out package.
Sentiment over the world economic picture was also eased by a second day of China’s currency stabilising after sharp declines earlier in the week.
But tepid second quarter growth figures from Europe and continued stagnation in the oil price meant the FTSE 100 Index added just 24.6 points to 6592.9, having lost more than 150 points in the last few days.
In Germany, the economy grew by 0.4% in the April-June period, accelerating from 0.3% in the previous period but behind expectations for 0.5%. In France, second quarter growth was flat.
Meanwhile in Greece, legislators approved a bail-out package for the debt-laden country after an acrimonious all-night debate on the terms of the rescue deal which include sharp spending cuts and tax hikes.
The Cac 40 in Paris and Frankfurt’s Dax both made cautious gains.
In London, oil stocks were lower with the price of a barrel of Brent crude, which has fallen by more than half since last summer, still hovering below 50 US dollars.
A tentative recovery in the price earlier this year has been pegged back by the prospect of more Iranian production adding to supply with the lifting of sanctions.
BP fell 1.6p to 381.6p while Royal Dutch Shell was 3p lower at 1830.5p.
On a quiet day for corporate announcements, Thomson and First Choice owner TUI topped the risers’ board as it built on a 7% surge in the previous session after a well-received trading update.
Despite an impact of up to £32 million from the Tunisia terrorist attack, the travel operator posted a surge in earnings and gave a confident outlook for the future. Shares were up by another 3%, or 35p, to 1149p, in the latest session.