The FTSE 100 Index surge to fresh five year highs today after better-than-expected US job figures boosted markets on both sides of the Atlantic.
London’s FTSE 100 Index closed 44.4 points higher at 6,483.6, its highest level since December 27, 2007, when it stood at 6,497.8.
Banks occupied a number of the leading positions on the Footsie, with Barclays 9.1p higher at 318.6p, HSBC up 18.8p to £7.37 and Royal Bank of Scotland 3p better off at 306.2p.
Other risers included Vodafone as its shares continued to benefit from speculation over a possible deal involving US partner Verizon Communications. Shares have risen 17% this year and were up by 5.75p to 184.4p today.
There was also a recovery for Aviva shares after the insurer’s slump yesterday in the wake of its decision to cut the full-year dividend by 44%.
The blue-chip stock stabilised today, with a rise of 10p to 324.8p, while Standard Life continued its post-results improvement with a gain of 8.1p to 381.1p.
Paving slab-maker Marshalls was 4%, or 4.5p higher at £1.10 after it met City expectations with full-year results showing a 24% drop in profits to £10.4million in 2012.
Cast iron cooker firm Aga Rangemaster rose 1p to 86p after it said profits improved 12% to £8.4million.
Carrie Keenan, of investment manager and financial planning specialist Brewin Dolphin in Aberdeen, highlighted Bridge Energy spiking 7.35% at 131.5p, Cairn Energy 2.17% ahead at 292.7p and STV Group up 7.21% to £1.48.
Faroe Petroleum fell 4.17% to 137.875p and Aggreko slid 3.09% to £18.79.