BA sends FTSE flying into the new year

Posting the biggest gains so far the airline is up 2.51% to 540.75p, closely followed by BT Group which is up 2.24% to 308.25p, while miner BHP Billiton has added 2.09% to 954p, and Amvescap has gained 2.01% to 608p. Scottish & Southern Energy is also up 1.87% to £15.83, and there are just four falling stocks, with Cadbury Schweppes the biggest drag on the index with a fall of 0.46% to 544p, while Shire is down 0.38% to £10.55, Tate & Lyle has slipped 0.26% to 766.5p, and Gallaher Group has dropped 0.04% to £11.46. In the US the markets will also be closed today for the national day o...