Next and M&S boost FTSE

Marks & Spencer shares rose by more than 3% today after rival fashion chain Next delivered a reassuring update on current trading.

As well as the boost from Next, investors cheered better-than-expected performances from accountancy firm Sage and consumer products giant Unilever. The pair were up by more than 8% and 4% respectively, but the gains were insufficient to offset falls elsewhere for the London market.