FTSE falls short of new six-year high

Associated British Foods remained at the top of the leaderboard with gains of 4.64% to 845p, closely followed by Persimmon which added 3.44% to £14.73, while Old Mutual climbed 3.31% to 187.5p as all three companies produced positive results. Intercontinental Hotels also ended up 2.2% to £12.52, while Scottish & Southern Energy added 2.02% to 315.18, although property companies dragged on the index with British Land falling 1.3% to £15.94. However, power group Drax was the biggest faller with a drop of 2.3% to 722.5p, closely followed by insurer Resolution which slipped 1.74% to 648.5p, w...