FTSE on the up

The FTSE 100 Index pushed closer to a six-week high after retail stocks surged following a better-than-expected update from bellwether Marks & Spencer.

M&S was the Footsie’s biggest riser, up 7%, after it said sales rose 0.1% in its fourth quarter, while other retailers such as Next and B&Q-owner Kingfisher also benefited.