A government report revealing the worst Christmas spending since 1981 had threatened to dampen the spirits of traders today, but the FTSE managed to close up by the end of the week.
The FTSE 100 index added 2.5 points or 0.5% to 4,803.3, thanks in part to gains for mining and broadcasting stocks. BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, eventually gained 8.5p or 1.35% to 637p but rival Rio Tinto made the best gains to close up 44p or 2.79% to £16.20. BSkyB closed the day up 12p or 2.22% higher at 552.5p after analysts suggested the share price could yet cross £6 a share before hitting its target. Terrestrial rival ITV also closed up 3.25p or 2.85% to 117.25p. Corus Group, the steel manufacturer, also closed 1.25p or 2.4% up at 53.25p while Shell Trans...
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