Barclays upgrade sparks 2004 high for FTSE 100

Barclays led the increase and gained 13.25p or 2.7% to 505.25p by close of business in London and lifted the FTSE 100 index 14.3 points or 0.3% to 4560.5 while the FTSE All-Share index just missed its year high and closed up 11.95 points or 0.5% to 2276.85 – just two points under its 2004 high. Royal Bank of Scotland seized gains on the back of its performance and climbed 36p or 2.1% to £17.26 while HBOS added 0.8% to 741.5p. A ratings upgrade from Citigroup for BAE also helped the defence contractor, as its share price closed up 7.25p or 3.3% to 224p. In the US, The Dow Jones Ind...