FTSE up almost 3.5% on insurer, US manufacturing gains

The FSA's weekend decision to revise solvency rules for UK insurance companies coupled with further evidence of a US economic recovery helped the FTSE to a 122 points rise to 3,689.40 by the close. Friends Provident led the gainers, climbing10p to 98.25p, and Aviva gained 37.5p to 430.25p. Sage was a surprise gainer, but Merrill Lynch has put a 'buy' rating on the stock after management said it would be able to increase prices of licences for its accounting products. Royal & Sun Alliance climbed 7.5p to 104p and Legal & General gained 5.25p to 80.5p. Scottish & Ne...