FTSE continues to struggle as Wall Street brightens

A sensational day for BHP Billiton saw the firm jump a huge 178 points, or 12.08%, to close on £16.51. Taking up the rear were Shire, up 19p to £12.37, and Standard Life, up 3.75p, or 1.22%, to 312.25p. However, these gains were overshadowed by Cadbury Schweppes, down 51p, or 8.23%, to 569p, Man Group, down 39.5p to 528.5p, and Mitchells & But, down 40.5p, or 5.18%, to 741p. Different story in the US though; the Dow Jones opening with a flurry of activity and pushing the index up 48.61 points, or 0.37%, to 13260.6. Early winners include Merck & Co, up one point, or 2.01%, to 50.65, ...