SHARES in Dulux paint owner Imperial Chemical Industries Plc surged nearly 19% on Thursday, after the firm said it was cutting a further 1,410 jobs and reported better-than-expected first-half profits.

London’s FTSE 100 Index finished the session on a high today after better-than-expected economic data in the US gave leading shares a late boost.

UK paints and chemicals group ICI today announced 1,400 job cuts as it struggles to revive its fortunes.

Updates from a clutch of blue-chip companies should grab the attention this week as analysts get their clearest guide yet to trading so far in 2003.

London’s leading shares were back in positive territory today after a rollercoaster ride saw the FTSE 100 fluctuate markedly.

Uncertainty over the war in Iraq has seen London share prices fluctuate sharply.