Strong news for R&SA lifts FTSE

clock

UK shares bounced back today after a run of downers concerning high street sales and the climbing oil price, accompanied by improvements for R&SA's bottom line.

Whereas companies like Shell and BP have recently been reaping the benefits of a climbing oil price, Imperial Chemical Industries and British Airways today saw gains on the back of the oil price falling back below $50 a barrel, as this will ease pressure on earnings. As a result, the FTSE 100 Index closed up 17.8 points or 0.3% to 4888.3, as profit-takers made jumped on BA ahead of its report tomorrow and rose 7.5p or 3.04% to 254p while ICI added 4.5p or 1.85% to 248p. BOC, the gas company, also earned 27p or 2.77% to a flat £10.00 and Royal & SunAlliance made the best gains of the d...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

FCA launches trio of crypto consultations as UK interest nears tipping point

FCA launches trio of crypto consultations as UK interest nears tipping point

Consumer protection and innovation

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 16 December 2025 • 2 min read
Cryptoasset legislation in UK to come into force in 2027

Cryptoasset legislation in UK to come into force in 2027

Consumer protection

Cristian Angeloni
clock 15 December 2025 • 1 min read
Decoding the conflicting investment advice of Warren Buffett

Decoding the conflicting investment advice of Warren Buffett

'He leaves us with a wealth of opinion and information about markets and investing'

Laith Khalaf
clock 09 December 2025 • 5 min read