The FTSE 100 index has ended the day up 45.7 points or 0.75% higher to close at 6,089.8, as the index never really looked throughout the day as though it would retreat from its strong start on Wednesday morning.
Stocks surged in opening trades because of the heavy gains posted by Wall Street overnight, fuelled by indications the recent cycle of interest rate rises may end soon. As a result, the ftse 100 index earlier in the day hit a new five-year high before dropping back slightly. WPP Group topped the list of gainers with a rise of 4.39% to 701.5p, while Hanson added 4.25% to 760.5p, and International Power ended the day up 4.28% to 304.25p. Meanwhile, poor results saw Associated British Foods end the day as the biggest faller by far with a drop of 6.47% to 788.5p, closely followed by Smith ...
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