FTSE starts well on back of US trades

The FTSE is currently higher by 13.70 points at 4,797.3 points and is trying to beat a three-day drop. Reuters leads the charge adding 10.75p to 392.5p after the company reported while its first-quarter sales declined 1.5%, it was the slowest decline in three years and above analyst forecasts. ITV has also added 3.25p to 110.25p, while Argos' parent company GUS, is up 22p to 927p. Rolls Royce Group has shed 2.25p to 250.50p. In Japan stocks fell, led by exporters such as Nissan Motor and Canon, after a drop in the dollar to a five-week low against the yen threatens sales in the US. ...