FTSE breaks through 4600 barrier

The FTSE 100 Index followed the lead of other world markets to break through the 4600 barrier today.

Bargain-hunting in the Far East helped Japan’s Nikkei index halt a nine-day losing streak, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed nearly 60 points to the good overnight. That ensured the Footsie stood 11.2 points higher at 4599.3 by mid-morning, although the top flight earlier peaked at 4607.8.