FTSE on a sugar high

Cadbury Schweppes has risen 1.70% to 569.50p. Its sales grew at the fastest pace for a decade last year lifting profits up by 13% to £873m. Sales rose 7% to £6.5bn. Prudential is 2.07% higher at 617.50p after the life insurer increased its with-profits payments by 18%. In reaction SocGen raised its price target to 760p and stuck with its "buy" advice. Barclays has fallen 0.70% to 639.50p. It lifted 2005 profits by 15% to £5.2bn, from £4.58bn, driven by solid showings in retail and business banking and good performances from Barclays Capital and Global Investors. But tempering the gains,...