FTSE starts brightly

The UK benchmark index has advanced about 14 points to 4,898.1 points, led by investment management firm Amvescap, which is up 14p to 319p. Schroders is trading 31.5p higher to 720p, after reporting a 50% increase in first-quarter earnings before tax. UK search engine Yell has also picked up 12p to 409.75p, after it agreed to purchase TransWestern Holdings for $1.58bn - its largest US acquisition since floating in 2003. Recruitment specialist Hays leads the drop, however, down 3.75p to 121.75p. In Tokyo, the Nikkei continues to fall, losing 1.1% to 10,825.39 at its close early this morn...