07:13 , Graeme Evans The FTSE 100 index is set for a stronger session after interest rate comments by Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell failed to unsettled US markets. Powell said there had been insufficient progress towards the bank’s 2% inflation goal in the first quarter, meaning rates will stay elevated for longer. The Federal Reserve kept its interest rate in the range of 5.25% and 5.5% but Powell said he did not believe additional increases would be necessary. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 0.2% stronger and the S&P 500 index and Nasdaq fell by 0.3%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 2% this morning but other Asian markets have posted mixed performances. The FTSE 100 index is forecast by IG Index to open about 37 points higher at 8155, having fallen 0.3% in yesterday’s session. Brent Crude is at a seven-week low of $83.99 a barrel and gold at a four-week low of $2314 an ounce. 06:50 , Simon Hunt Good morning from the Standard City desk. The UK stock market has had a spring in its step over recent weeks thank goodness. And not before time. Investors seem to have finally woken up to the value that...