FTSE streaks ahead

An improved outlook on the crisis in Libya and a raft of positive blue-chip updates saw the FTSE 100 Index break back through the 6000 barrier today.

The FTSE 100 Index closed 90.2 points higher at 6005.1 after reports suggested the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, who is known to be close to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was trying to broker a deal to restore peace to the North African state.