FTSE closes week up on Aviva profit predictions

The UK benchmark index closed up 18.3 points or 0.4% to 4402.7 and the FTSE All-Share index added 8.72 points or 0.4% to 2194, after Aviva suggested its full-year profits are expected to hit £1.9bn on the back of strong second-half performance and general insurance sales. Aviva, the parent group behind Norwich Union, climbed 36.5p or 7.3% to 536p, boosting rival life insurers in turn. Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group closed up 1.75p or 1.6% to 96p while Friends Provident gained 2.3% to 142.25p, Legal & General earned an extra 3.9% to 101p and Prudential lifted 1.3% to 492.25p by c...