Footsie hites two-and-a-half year high

The London market hit a two-and-a-half year high today as traders welcomed hints that interest rates will stay on hold.

The FTSE 100 Index ended the first trading session in 2005 32.7 points ahead at 4847. Earlier in the day, the Footsie topped the 4851.7 it reached in June 2002.