FTSE hovers near 4 1/2 year high

Anglo American is leading a resource stock rally on reports it is planning a break-up, gaining 1.21% to 2,015p. Among other resource majors, Xstrata has risen 1.87% to 1,469p, BHP Billiton has gained 0.67% to 969.50p and copper miner Antofagasta is 0.65% higher at 1,856p. Standard Chartered has also leapt 6.64% to 1,413p on newspaper speculation it is being eyed as a takeover target by several heavyweight US investment banks. On the negative side, Vodafone has dropped 0.98% to 126.25p as telecoms extended last week's slide. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 186.92 poin...