FTSE makes gains

Excitement at the prospect of the first major bid battle of the new year drove the FTSE 100 Index back beyond the 4700 mark today.

Excitement at the prospect of the first major bid battle of the new year drove the FTSE 100 Index back beyond the 5700 mark today.

Ports and ferries group P&O was the destination of speculative money after confirming an approach from Singapore ports operator PSA after the market closed last night.