THE FTSE 100 index continued its rebound yesterday as positive job and manufacturing data from America caused a last-minute push into the black.
Britain’s leading share index closed 24.1 up points at 5,418.7, after another strong session for banks.
David Barclay, of investment manager and financial-planning specialist Brewin Dolphin in Aberdeen, noted Aberdeen Asset Management adding 2.3% to 205.2p and engineering firm Weir Group rising 2% to £19.66. Melrose Resources declined a further 6.8% to 143p, and Cairn Energy shed 1.16% at 330.9p.
The Royal Bank of Scotland lifted 8% to 26.3p, while a note from Investec Securities identifying Barclays as a “stand-out buy” helped its shares to improve 9.6p to 180.4p. Lloyds was 2.1p stronger at 35.7p.
Financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown was up 17% to 508.5p after it offset worries about the impact of regulatory changes on its business by posting a 46% rise in full-year profits to £126million.
Recruitment firm Hays added 5.1p at 80.6p, despite posting a sharp drop in profits in the UK. Strong international growth meant full-year profits improved 50% to £106.6million. Train and bus operator Go-Ahead Group saw its shares dip 5% to £14.96, however, despite reporting a better-than-expected £97.6million profit.