Trading on the London Stock Exchange was today largely influenced by activities in Switzerland, as one Swiss firm boosted the drugs industry and a Swiss insurer knocked domestic confidence.
The FTSE 100 index managed to pull back reasonably well considering it started the day on another low. The FTSE 100 index gradually climbed its way back up for the first time in four days, having gained 18.3 points or 0.42% to 4,339.4. The FTSE All-Share index also gained 6.3 points or 0.2% to 2163 but the FTSE 250 index still lost 17.9 points or 0.2% to 6045.6. Swiss drug firm Novartis today reported improved second-half profits, up 17% to just under £1bn, and announced net and operating income may yet improve again. This boosted its European rivals in the UK. As a result, GlaxoSmith...
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