BHP rocks record FTSE rise

The FTSE was up 9.8% responding to the Pre Budget announcement including Darling's plans to help stimulate growth. Rio Tinto, today's biggest loser, plunges 899p (36.69%) to 1551.00, with fellow miners Kazakhmys shedding 18p (7.83%) to 211.75 and Antofagasta losing 26.25p (6.09%) to 404.50. BHP Billiton says its Rio Tinto bid is no longer in the best interests of its shareholders and although it remains convinced a merger would make industrial sense, the deterioration of the global economic climate has prompted a rethink on its timing. Prudential slides 22.25p (7.54%) to 272.75 and St...