The FTSE 100 Index slipped away from the 6,000 mark this afternoon, closing just 6 points, or 0.01%, higher at 5,999 points with life insurers including Legal & General leading the risers.
Life insurers rose after Legal & General reported a 43% jump in operating profits to £1.09bn, up from £745m in 2004. L&G shares rose 7.09% to 143.50p. Prudential also gained 7.09% to 672p after reports Swiss group Zurich Financial is facing a bid from a US rival. And Royal & Sun Alliance rose 0.90% to 139.50p on persistent bid speculation from Aviva, AXA or Warren Buffet. Elsewhere, Premier Oil hit a new all-time high today, rising 0.50% to 909.50p, after it was awarded licences by the Government of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic in North West Africa. Lloyds insurer Chauc...
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