FTSE rises to highest level for a year

Evidence of a turnaround in the economy and a raft of corporate news sent the FTSE 100 Index to the highest level seen for a year.

The mood has been one of optimism after strong economic figures on both sides of the Atlantic sent the benchmark index soaring - at one point touching 4279.1, well clear of August 18's close of 4271.1 which was the highest close for a year.