Copper strengthens FTSE

Xstrata gained 5.53% to £17.57 after it predicted commodity prices will remain above long-term averages for a number of years, alongside a 60% rise in net profit to $1.71bn in 2005. Chemical firm BOC also did well after good results from peer Air Liquide yesterday, while traders continued to speculate on a possible bid for the group with rumours of a possible £16.40 bid from Linde. BOC shares rose 2.45% to £15.47. Vodafone was another strong performer, gaining 2.52% to 111.75p, as it clawed back some of its recent losses following news earlier in the week of an "impairment charge" of ...