The FTSE 100 index has started solidly this morning, adding 15.4 points to 4,827.9 points, led by Cable & Wireless, after the firm reported its fiscal third-quarter sales fell less than analysts expected.
The phone operator has skipped up 6.75p or 6% to 119.50p. Leading UK insurers, Aviva, Prudential and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance are also performing well, adding 17p to 637p, 7p to 455p and 1.25p to 85.75p respectively. Aviva reported its new life and pensions business rose 11% in the fourth quarter, above analysts' forecasts. Exel has added 23.5p to 770p. Leading the fallers, Cairn Energy has shed 12p to 1185p, while mining firm Rio Tinto has lost 13p to 1677p. Both companies were good performers yesterday. In the US the Dow Jones lost its early footing to close the day 24.38 ...
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