FTSE stays in black despite US losses

The FTSE 100 Index managed to remain in positive territory today despite heavy losses across the Atlantic eating into gains.

Confidence inspired by sharp rises on Far East markets boosted the Footsie, leaving it 8.3 points higher at 4749.8 by the end of the session.

However, the market failed to hold on to much more significant progress made earlier, as a downbeat start to trading in New York took its toll.

The highest risers in the Footsie today were Anglo American up 25p to 1298p, Schroders NV rising 11p to 632p, British Land up 13.5p to 820.5p and BAE Systems rising 4p to 247p.

The heaviest fallers were Rentokil off 4.5p to 150p, Royal & Sun Alliance down 1p to 74p, Wolseley off 11p to 907p and Dixons down 1.5p to 147.75p.