The FTSE 100 is up 18.4 points, or 0.28%, to 6,682.5 in early trading, as a combination of broker upgrades and strong commodities is pushing the index higher.
Insurer Standard Life is posting the biggest gains so far with a rise of 3.7% to 350.5p, following an upgrade from Merrill Lynch, closely followed by BHP Billiton which has added 1.74% to £112.83, while Antofagasta has climbed 1.7% to 583.25p. United Utilities is also up 3.69% to 801p, while Associated British Foods has added 1.61% to 946.5p, although gains are being limited by pub operator Mitchell & Butler which is down 1.54% to 863.5p. However Daily Mail & General Trust is the biggest loser with a fall of 2.18% to 829p, closely followed by Next which is down 1.47% to £22.13, while S...
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