The London market soared past the 6500 level today, maintaining its six-and-a-half-year high amid further merger and acquisition activity.

Oil prices climbed more than one dollar a barrel today and settled at their highest level in more than seven months as geopolitical friction kept traders nervous about supplies.

OIL steadied above $63 (€52.63) a barrel yesterday as Hurricane Wilma seemed to set its course away from vulnerable rigs and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico.