The FTSE 100 is up 53.3 points, or 0.81%, to 6,632.6 in early trading, as oil prices push the index higher following rumours of a potential tie-up between Shell and BP.
Cadbury Schweppes is posting the biggest gains with a rise of 3.49% to 697p, on reports private equity firms are mustering a potential £8bn offer for the company, while BG Group has added 2.47% to 789p. Among oil stocks Royal Dutch Shell ‘B’ stocks are up 2.31%to £19.02, closely followed by BP which has climbed 2.28% to 583.5p, while insurer Royal & Sun Alliance has added 2.43% to 172.9p. British Airways is the biggest loser with a fall of 3.99% to 481.5p, as operating profits fell and it confirmed it has made a provision of £350m for possible fines and compensation following investigat...
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