Drinks giants lift the FTSE mood

The FTSE 100 index closed up 32.2 points or 0.7% to 4550.8, making this the third consecutive weekly gain for the FTSE, while the FTSE All-Share index rose 0.7% to 2256.21 and at its highest level in four months. Allied Domecq gained 9p or 2% to 457 after the maker of Baskins & Robbins ice maker and drinks manufacturer revealed earnings were in line with expectations to the end of August. Having yesterday lost ground, Diageo – the firm behind such brands as Gordon’s and Tanqueray gin bounced back with gains of 19.5p or 2.9% to 695p. AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant, also leapt...