US inventory data inspires late Footsie surge

The FTSE 100 surged in afternoon trade to finish the session 143.3 points higher at 5153.1. The boost came from the US after a government report showed US inventories fell for a third month in August and sales were on the up. The figures suggest that before the terrorist attacks companies were making headway into clearing excess stock. Leading FTSE 100 gains though was software group Sage. The group allayed city anxiety after it said full year figures are expected to be in line with market expectations. The stock advanced 21.5p to 191p. The FTSE 100's biggest loser was Friends Provide...