FTSE 100 heads back over 5,500

The FTSE 100 broke the 5,500 barrier this morning – rising 0.65 per cent to 5,522.00 at 9:47 BST.

It is the first time the index has stood over 5,500 since early July.

The main risers today were the miners and banks.

Eurasian and Antofagasta rose 8.16 per cent and 5.07 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile HBOS and Barclays were up 4.43 per cent and 3.93 per cent, despite Barclays reporting a 33 per cent profit fall today.

ITV gained 4.13 per cent, making some gains after it dropped from its poor profit announcement yesterday.

International Power fell 5.05 per cent after the firm announced profits in the second half of 2008 would be hit by a power outage at a UK coal power station.

Reits Liberty International and British Land fell 4.11 per cent and 1.76 per cent respectively, while Friends Provident dropped 3.82 per cent after reporting a profit fall of 20 per cent.

British Airways fell 1.77 per cent.

Sterling today was up 0.17 per cent against the dollar making £1 worth $1.95045, but was down against the euro with £1 buying €1.26025. €1 buys £0.79345.