The FTSE 100 index is bouncing back after an up and down week with gains of 42.7 points or 0.78% to 5,538, largely on the back of news affecting British American Tobacco.
Shares in BAT are up 4p or 0.31% to £13.02 after a US court ruled in favour of rival Philip Morris, part of Altria Group, concerning "light" cigarettes - a move which will now form the basis for a similar court judgment in a case involving former BAT unit Brown & Williamson. Utility Centrica is also among some of the top gainers with an advance of 5p or 2.1% to 243.5p, after the company reassured investors it sees earnings in line with expectations. Elsewhere, ITV has gained 1.5p, or 1.38%, to 110.25p, on hopes the football World Cup in 2006 will boost the broadcaster's advertising reve...
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