FTSE makes gains from ICI and mining prospects

The FTSE 100 index closed up 20.3 points or 0.5% to 4438.3 after ICI reported earnings may increase by more than 10% this year. This lifted the ICI share price by 14p or 7% at close of business to 214p, closely followed by mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, both of which received ratings upgrades. As a result, BHP Billiton’s share price – for the world's largest mining company – closed up 9.5p or 2.1% to 464.5p and Rio Tinto gained 30p or 2.4% to £13.07, while their rivals Anglo American - the world's second-biggest mining company – and Xstrata rode on the back of BHP and Rio t...