Wall Street highs give FTSE closing boost

British Airways posted the biggest gains with a rise of 2.9% to 462p, closely followed by Standard Chartered bank which gained 2.74% to £14.64 on speculation Dubai's investment arm may raise its stake in the group to at least 10%. Smith & Nephew gained 1.33% to 514p, closely followed by Gallaher Group which climbed 1.29% to 865p, while Land Securities Group added 1.23% to £20.59, although gains were limited by ITV which slipped 1.43% to 103.75p. British Energy Group was the biggest drag on the index with a drop of 2.34% to 437.5p, after brokers cut its rating and kept it at “neutral”, whi...