Markets positive on better GDP figures
END-OF-DAY REPORT: Headline shares ended the day with firm gains after better-than-expected UK GDP figures and a positive reaction in New York to Fed Chairman Bernanke’s speech on the state of the US economy.
At the close of business, the FTSE100 was up just 7.46 points at 5,163.3 with the FTSE250 ahead 101.96 points at 9,779.9 and the FTSE Smallcaps 19.69 points higher at 2,770.83.
LONDON MARKETS
Investors in London were cautious ahead of the latest revisions of UK GDP which came in slightly better than forecast, with US figures falling short but a speech by Fed Chairman Bernanke lifting sentiment in New York.
Aero engine maker Rolls-Royce dropped 3.5p at 555.5p after news that technical problems had again delayed the first deliveries of the long-awaited Boeing Dreamliner, for which it supplies power plants.
The move had a knock-on effect for the aerospace sector, especially for Black Country-based Hampson Industries whose share woes continued .
Elsewhere, Moseley-based biotech firm Henderson Morley ensured the Bank Holiday break was no cause for celebration, filing for administration .
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