The FTSE 100 Index gained 9.50 points, or 0.2%, to 5,879 points today, led by steelmaker Corus.
Corus gained 1.57% to 403.50p on bid hopes, as traders cast an eye again ahead of results next week. Russia's Evraz and Serverstal have been touted as possible suitors. Vodafone rose 1.35% to 112.25p on news it has agreed to sell its 25% stake in Belgian mobile phone operator Proximus to Belgacom for €2bn in cash. Lloyds TSB and Barclays gave up much of their earlier gains, sparked by renewed talk of a bid by Bank of America. Lloyds TSB ended up 0.57% to 526p and Barclays advanced 0.85% to 649.50p. Prudential fell 0.60% to 576.50p after Credit Suisse cut the life insurer to “neutra...
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