Shares in Kingfisher were up on the FTSE 100 in afternoon trading ahead of the retailer's interim results, due out tomorrow.

The group has previously expressed some caution about levels of consumer confidence but has also said it is optimistic about some of the actions it is taking to counter this, including group self-help initiatives, cost cutting and targeted sales and promotions.

In addition Kingfisher has embarked on a modernisation programme in its French stores and has seen significant growth in the Chinese housing market.

Keith Bowman, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said of tomorrow's results, "Management outlook comments are expected to remain central for investors, with the health of its European operations and the weather in August potentially providing features. Ahead of the results, consensus market opinion currently denotes a buy."

By 16:25 shares in Kingfisher were up 3.87 per cent on the FTSE 100 to 219.90 pence per share.

FTSE