FTSE

The number of gainers outpaced the number of losers today to help send the FTSE up another 15.10 points to 5,114.40 by the close, despite US indices opening down this afternoon.

In London the FTSE 100 index is up about 16 points to 5,035 led by BHP Billiton and Antofagasta on gains of 26.00p to 713.00p and 38.00p to 1,220.00p respectively following increased demand for commodities.

In the UK the FTSE 100 Index has advanced 4.50 points to 5051.30 points, led by British American Tobacco.

The FTSE 100 index has closed on a high this afternoon after a slightly turbulent day, closing 20 points up at 5050.4 points.

The FTSE 100 index has started the week on a positive note rising 8.2 points in morning trading so far to reach 5038.6.

The FTSE 100 index up by about 22 points to 5,030 this morning on oil, technology and mining company gains.

In London the FTSE 100 Index has closed 47 points up and broken through the 5000 point mark closing at 5011 points.

Rentokil Initial has proved to be a bit of a pest in London today, dragging the FTSE 22.30 points lower to 4,964 points.

Investors have pushed the FTSE 100 index up another 7 points to 4,979 this morning, on the back of rising bank and telecoms share prices.

Negative trading in the US has spooked the FTSE 100 index this morning, so currently trading 22.3 points lower to 4,870.1 points.