END-OF-DAY REPORT: Headlines shares made strong gains, the broad-based rally gathering pace in the afternoon as Wall Street headed sharply higher, with Cable & Wireless Worldwide again heading the blue chip leaderboard.

At the close of business, the FTSE100 was up 141.19 points at 5,366.41 with the FTSE250 ahead 235.75 points at 10,060.89 and the FTSE Smallcaps 28.89 points better at 2,815.58.

NEW YORK

US stocks were sharply higher in late morning action after an unexpected climb in manufacturing activity.......for the full story register now for free or login below...