FTSE high on alcohol

Diageo, the world's largest alcohol maker, has risen 2.1% to a record 873p. Net income in the six months through December climbed 21% to £1.17bn as the company sold more spirits in the US and cut costs. Cadbury Schweppes has risen 1.9% to 575p after the Wall Street Journal said the company may become a takeover target. Among mooted buyers are Hershey Foods, Nestle and Kraft Foods. Meanwhile, Eircom has lost 1.9% to 2.08 euros. Net income in the three months through December fell to 19m euros ($22.6m) from 34m euros a year earlier. Analysts had expected net income of 34m euros. Bradfor...