FTSE hits six year high

Insurer Standard Life posted the biggest gains with a rise of 3.63% to 306.5p, closely followed by Royal & Sun Alliance which added 3.28% to 157.5p, while Bradford & Bingley climbed 3.24% to 485.5p. DSG International also ended the first session of the New Year up 3.13% to 197.5p, closely followed by Kelda Group which climbed 3.13% to 955p, although Experian limited gains with a fall of 0.33% to 597.5p. Drax was the biggest drag on the index with a fall of 1.47% to 804p, closely followed by Liberty International which slipped 0.93% to £13.83, while property company Hammerson fell 0.63% ...