The FTSE 100 index held onto a gain of 13.20 points to close at 4,504.80 after comments from Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan indicated the US economy has moved firmly away from deflationary pressures.
Schroders added most among the big-caps, up 21p to 566p. Vodafone reversed recent losses, adding 2p to 128p. BAE Systems, Europe’s biggest defence contractor, gained 2.25p to 213.75p on an upgraded recommendation by Dutch bank ING. Rolls Royce added 2.5p to 239.5p after new orders for Airbus aircraft raised hopes the company will benefit from more engine and maintenance orders. Reuters fell 7p to 375.25p after repeating it sees a fall in revenues of up to 6.5% in its second quarter. Centrica dropped 2.5p to 219.5p after spending £142m on buying a UK-based gas-fired power plan...
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