Figures showing services output increased in April at the fastest pace since 2000 in the US helped boost the FTSE 100 index 22.30 points to close at 4,569.50.
Whitbread gained 27p to 768.5p after reporting sales at its restaurants and cheaper business hotels increased more than 8% in its past financial year. Vodafone climbed 4p to 143.5p after one of its European subsidiaries reported the most popular phones in April were those offering high-end services such as colour picture messaging. Shell added 6.75p to 402.75p on the back of rising oil prices. It is the first time shares have been over the 400p level since the first week of January. Royal Bank of Scotland closed down 97p at 1,625p on news of its $10bn acquisition of Charter One in ...
To continue reading this article...
Join Professional Adviser for free
Signup and gain exclusive members-only insights
- Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
- Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
- Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
- Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
- Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
- Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes
