FTSE 100 up as AstraZeneca, GSK climb on vaccine hopes

(Reuters) - UK shares ended higher on Thursday, helped by drugmakers AstraZeneca and GSK as markets looked for more progress in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, while optimism over the reopening of the economy persisted. The blue-chip FTSE 100 rose another 1.2% after ending Wednesday at an 11-week high, with AstraZeneca the biggest boost. The group, which is developing a leading coronavirus vaccine with Oxford University, said it may have to consider introducing vaccine trial..