Burberry allayed concerns about a global slowdown in sales of luxury goods as its second-half revenues beat analysts’ expectations with a strong performance in China.

Shares in the FTSE 100 group rallied as much as 8 per cent during trading, with investors relieved by the strong numbers, which came only a day after French rival LVMH posted weaker than expected first-quarter sales, citing a slowdown in China. In contrast, the British group’s Chinese stores enjoyed double-digit growth for the six months to March 31.

Sales across Asia rose 15.5 per cent to ￡447m, as weak footfall was offset by a better conversion rate and higher average transaction values. Burberry will continue its push into China, which includes the opening of three new stores in Shanghai. Asia accounts for 42 per cent of the group’s revenues, compared with 40 per cent last year.