FTSE up following banks' unexpected profits

UK stocks rose as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Chartered reported profits that beat analysts' forecasts. The FTSE 100 was up 1.6% to 4197.60 when markets opened this morning, building on yesterday's 3.4% climb. RBS shares increased by 50 pence, or 3.3%, after the British bank announced first-half profits rose by 21%. Shares for rival Standard Chartered rose by 7.8% (up 47.5 pence) after announcing first-half profits rose by 3%. Profits for both banks exceeded analysts' expectations. Mining company BHP Billington saw its share price increase by 5 pence, or 1.9%, af...