Centrica gives FTSE opening boost

Mining stocks are also performing well with Xstrata up 1.7% to £23.98, although Centrica is currently the top performer with gains of 2.29% to 301.75p, closely followed by Capita group which has added 1.92% to 557.5p. Steelmaker Corus is also having a better end to the week, with gains of 1.85% to 399.5p, while Drax is off to a good start with an increase of 1.83% to 916.5p, while BHP Billiton is up 1.5% to £10.16. However on the downside Cadburys Schweppes is the biggest drag on the index with a drop of 0.45% to 556.5p, closely followed by Reed Elsevier which is down 0.44% to 561p, an...