Standard Chartered helps FTSE

The UK bank has picked up as much as 64p or 5.7% to 1189p, after reporting a 28% increase in first-half profit aided by acquisitions and rising revenue at its consumer and corporate banking units. Cable & Wireless has also lifted 2.5p to 164.75p. The Sunday Times reports the communications firm’s proposed bid for Energis is being opposed by some Energis investors who want more money. International Power meanwhile has slipped 2.25p to 223p. The company posted an 84% rise in first-half profit late last week. In Tokyo the Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.1% to 11,778.98 at its close e...