ICI's chemical reaction pushes FTSE above 5,400 mark

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The FTSE 100 has ended above the 5,400 mark for the first time in a month, ending 73.3 points, or 1.37%, higher at 5,431.9, after a batch of well-received trading figures calmed inflation concerns.

Chemicals group ICI jumped 19.25p, or 6.55%, to 313.25p to end as the highest mover after announcing forecast-beating earnings. It also said it had enjoyed good trading in relatively difficult conditions. But Tate & Lyle was close behind ICI, as it jumped 28.75p, or 6.1%, to 499.75p, as traders reported buyers had scrambled to cover short positions as its first-half results came in above expectations. Rentokil Initial was another strong gainer, as it climbed 6.75p, or 4.5%, to 156.75p, to end as the third highest mover, after it reported higher margins in the third quarter and said p...

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