The FTSE 100 is starting the new year well with a rise of 51.5 points, or 0.92%, to 5,670.3, as natural resources stocks such as BP have started strongly as the gas supply dispute between Russia and Ukraine drives fuel prices higher.
BP has added 9p, or 1.45%, to 628p, while Shell has gained 31p, or 1.75%, to 1,802p, as dealers said Russia's gas supply cut to Ukraine would support the sector by driving oil and gas prices higher in the short term. Gas and oil producer BG Group has also added 16.5p, or 2.87%, to 591p, while mining stocks added to the gains by tracking a strong performance in Australia. BHP Billiton, the world's biggest miner, has advanced 17p, or 1.79%, to 966.5p, while Rio Tinto has jumped 44p, or 1.66%, to 2,699p. Xstrata is also featuring high on the list of FTSE gainers, with a jump of 45p, or 3...
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