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Reuters reported the stock index rose today (July 6th) as renewed appetite for risk manifested itself in gains for financial and commodities groups, leaving the FTSE 100 higher at 4,931.79 points by 11:39 BST.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) revealed the national economy continued to grow in the second quarter of 2010, which may have underpinned investor confidence.
Spring saw improvements in business conditions including the employment outlook and domestic sales, with both manufacturing and services growing for the first half the year.
BCC statistics showed manufacturing export sales rose by almost a third over the past three months, reaching their highest level since late 2006.
David Frost, direct general of the group, said the figures were broadly positive and "offer encouragement that the UK's recovery remains on the right track", but warned greater gains in the service sector remained desirable.
Posted by Greg Secker
