Retailers help FTSE hit a new four year high

Electrical retailer DSG advanced 1% to 152p, although it closed off initial highs after it said the overall level of trading remains broadly unchanged from that reported at September’s AGM, although the UK remains difficult. DSG, formerly known as Dixons, said total sales for the 28 weeks to 12 November were up 4%, but like for like sales fell 3%. Traders said the fact that things are not getting worse is some encouragement, which saw Kingfisher and GUS stocks rise in sympathy. The miners capped gains though, with Antofagasta and Xstrata down sharply following a 4% fall in copper prices...