45 seconds ago 2009-12-12T02:34:29-08:00
LONDON (AFP) – The leading stock exchange rose on Thursday on signs that government stimulus policies and record-low interest rates are helping to drag the global economy out of recession.
The FTSE 100 index gained 0.19 percent to finish at 5,276.50.
Telecom giant Vodafone was the most traded stock with traders exchanging 133 million shares, followed by Royal Bank of Scotland which saw 85 million units switch hands.
British Airways was the session's star performer after it was announced they were holding board meetings with Spain's Iberia on a potential merger. The flag carrier's shares gained 15.00 pence -- or 7.50 percent -- to finish at 215.
Satellite telecom firm Inmarsat followed adding 41.00 pence -- or 6.72 percent -- to stand at 651.
Energy engineer Amec was the biggest casualty after it said its order book fell to 3 billion pounds, down from 3.2 billion in June. Its shares dropped 43.50 pence -- or 5.02 percent -- to finish at 822.5.
Venture capital firm 3i came next after its net asset value failed to reach analyst estimates at Oriel Securites Ltd. Shares dropped 11.4 pence -- or 4.09 percent -- to finish at 267.5.
The pound gained ground against the euro but lost ground against the dollar.
At 16:58, sterling was trading at $1.6528, down from $1.6574 at Wednesday's close. The pound rose against the euro, climbing to 1.1122, up from 1.1065 over the same period.
