FTSE 100 Live: Shell leads risers as market digests ‘do no harm’ Budget

Welcome to City AM‘s FTSE 100 liveblog.

It’s Thursday morning and stocks are set to rise on the market open. Investors will be picking through John Healey’s maiden Budget throughout the day, which pushed up shares in banks and gambling firms after they were spared worse tax raids.

The FTSE 100 closed level on Wednesday after trailing for most of the morning. A late slump in housebuilder shares prevented any significant gains, as details of the Your First Home scheme left much to be desired.

Here’s a few of our top headlines this morning:

• Four OBR forecasts lay bare Britain’s fiscal vulnerability
• ‘Smoke and mirrors’: Why high street still faces a £250m tax hike under Healey
• ‘Sigh of relief’ as Healey woos British founders with £10m tax break
• Healey’s Budget spoiled by ‘grim’ living standards squeeze
• Chancellor leans on private sector for defence investment drive