FTSE finishes at one-month closing high

Xstrata led the gains after expanding its bid for Australia's Jubilee Mines, closing up 7.91% to 3656. Housebuilders were among the best performers on the back of yesterday’s rate cut, with Taylor Wimpey at the forefront, 7.63% ahead to 214.5. Northern Rock climbed on news Olivant upped its efforts to buy stricken lender, finishing 7.38% up to 110.60. Inter-dealer money broker ICAP led the losses, down 2.06% to 664.50. In the US, markets had a strong start to the session with the Dow Jones up 12 points at 13,632 thanks to better than expected job figures. To comment on this st...