In the UK the FTSE 100 Index has climbed 30.80 points to 5301.10 this morning, led by AstraZeneca.
The Pharmaceuticals firm shot up 103 points, or 4%, to 2583p, after raising its guidance for full-year earnings by 17% as a result of a 50% increase in quarterly profit. British American Tobacco is also 28p higher to 1124p, after posting a 37% increase in its quarterly earnings. On the losing end, Lloyds TSB has retreated 11.5p to 477.5p, despite a 9% increase in first-half profit. Friends Provident is also down 2.75p to 183.25p, despite a 33% increase in the sale of life insurance and pensions in the first half. In Tokyo the Nikkei 225 Stock Average picked up 0.4% to 11,899.60, its...
To continue reading this article...
Join Professional Adviser for free
- 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