The UK's benchmark index ended the week at a 2 ½ year high after a better general performance all week pushed the blue chips market closer towards the psychological 5,000 barrier.
The FTSE 100 index closed up 33 points or 0.68% to 4,941.5 by 4.30pm on Friday, thanks in part to gains for British Airways. The Airline giant had earlier in the day announced profits had suffered as a result of the recent oil price rises, but better than anticipated performance boosted the share value by 4p or 1.48% to 274.5p. Cadbury Schweppes also rose 9.5p or 1.95% to 496.25p and steelmaker Corus Group added 2p or 3.6% to 57.5p. Exel also 26p or 3.16% to 850p and Hays, the recruitment firm, closed up 3p or 2.38% to 129.25p while BT Group earned 4.5p or 2.21% to 208p compared wi...
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