FTSE moves towards 5000 landmark

The FTSE 100 Index edged closer to the landmark 5000 barrier today as momentum from across the Atlantic rubbed off on London shares.

Positive news in a court case involving tobacco firms also helped the top flight index gain 32.8 points to 4974.3 by mid-morning. The index last stood above the 5000 threshold in the summer of 2002.