Rare rise for BP has FTSE in the black

BP kept the FTSE 100 Index in positive territory today after shares jumped 7% on takeover and deal speculation involving the beleaguered oil major.

Reports at the weekend suggested that Exxon, the world’s biggest company, had sought clearance from the White House for a move that could create a firm with a stock market value of more than £265bn (€316.43bn).