FTSE up as BA struggles

Europe’s third largest airline announced a weak US dollar led to a 1.4% trans-Atlantic drop, but first and business class traffic increased. BA was up 22 points, or 5.26%, to 440.5. Hotel stocks were hot in London trading, after Blackstone's announced a $26bn deal to buy Hilton, the second-largest U.S. hotel chain. InterContinental Hotels, the world's biggest hotel company, was the best mover; it gained 49 points, or 3.90%, to 1307. Punch Taverns had a positive end to the day; it closed up 38 points, or 3.01%, to 1300. Recent global metal price weakness has led to platinum group m...