Early FTSE gains despite retail woes

Vedanta Resources saw the biggest gains in early trading, up 39 points, or 2.48%, to £16.10, closely followed by Man Group, up 14p, or 2.29%, to 626p. Standard Life also received a boost due to confidence in the City, up 7.75, or 2.28%, to 347.75. Rolls-Royce shares continued to climb, up 12 points, or 2.2%, to 557p, and Lloyds TSB added 11.5p, or 2%, to 586p. Early gains were offset by some minor losses including Cadbury Schweppes, which saw shares dragged down on news that the company planned to make considerable layoffs, down 11.5 points, or 1.64%, to 688.5p. Morrison lost out on ...