FTSE hits highest level since mid-2008

London's leading index hit its highest level in more than two-and-a-half years last week but has reached a fresh high this morning. It was 0.7% higher in early trading, with Fresnillo, Xstrata and Vedanta Resources all adding about 2%. RBS is also higher following an NAO report suggesting the government could have charged it and Lloyds Banking Group an extra £3.9bn to use the Asset Protection Scheme for their toxic debts. Cairn Energy, which is still awaiting a decision by the Indian authorities on whether it can sell a majority stake in its unit in the country to Vedanta Resources...