FTSE unmoved by dreary IMF forecast

The Royal Bank of Scotland, up 25%, and Barclays, up 20%, also advanced on the back of a bullish note from Citigroup, which has had its research blackout lifted following the completion of the HBOS deal. Aviva, up 13%, and Prudential, up 12%, also profited. At shortly after 2.30pm, the FTSE had advanced more than 116 points, or 2.78%, to reach 4,310.1, its highest since 13 January. The FTSE 250 is up 2.3%, while the FTSE All Share has climbed 2.45%. Across the Atlantic, the Dow Jones soared in early trading, advancing almost 100 points, or more than 1%, to 8,265.61. Citigroup, up 16%, a...