FTSE breaks through 5,000 barrier

London's blue chip index has climbed 51.57 points (1.06%) to 5,001.51 at 3.05pm, as research by Markit Economics found "marginal increases" in permanent and temporary appointments in August, the first positive news in 17 months. Thomas Cook Group has gained 6.53% to 249.5p, while British Airways has added 5.07% to 211.2p, upon hopes the airline will soon team-up with Spanish firm, Iberia. F&C Investment Trust has climbed 3.79% to 246.7p. However, platinum giant Lonmin has tumbled 3.15% to £16.58 as Bank of America cut its rating on the group to ‘neutral' saying a bid from Xstrata i...