Scottish Power takeover rumour still drives FTSE

The country’s fifth largest energy supplier rose a further 12.25p to 558.75p following rumours suggesting Germany’s E.ON has launched a takeover bid for the company - and despite a denial from Scottish Power issued this morning. Centrica, the UK’s largest energy supplier also increased 3.7% to 263p. At the other end of the scale, however, Antofagasta, the mining giant, also fell 33p to 1460p. In the US, stocks rose as oil and gasoline prices declined, easing concern that record fuel costs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina will curb consumer spending. The Dow Jones Industrial Aver...