Lloyds and WPP profits boost FTSE

Shares in WPP have risen 5.25% to 651.50p after its profits beat expectations and Lloyds TSB has added 3.23% to 558.50p as it also reported higher earnings, including a 20% boost to its wholesale and international banking profits. Mid-cap insurer Wellington has jumped 3.02% to 93.75p after the company said it now expected to make a smaller annual loss than it had earlier anticipated. Miners are the weakest sector with BHP Billiton down 1.82% at 971p, Rio Tinto 1.24% lower at 2,787p, Xstrata down 1.45% at 1,701p and Anglo American 1.71% lower at 2,155p. Retailer Next has also slipped 1...