Friends Prov boosts FTSE

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The FTSE had a strong Monday, thanks in part to financial services firm Friends Provident, finishing up 58.8, or 0.96%, to close on 6189.40.

The life and pensions insurer gained 8 points, or 4.12% to close on 202p. It was closely followed by Prudential, up 26.5, or 3.89%, which closed on 708p. Plumbing firm Wolseley, despite a decline on Friday, jumped 44 points to close on £12.43. Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group also had a strong day, closing up 5.25 points, or 3.29% to 493p. These gains were moderately offset however by falls for the Imperial Tobacco Group, down 45 points, or 1.93%, to £22.85. Unilever wasn’t far behind, closing down 18 points, or 1.18%, to £15.07, and neither was Morrison Supermarkets, down 3.75 ...

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