LONDON (AFP) - The FTSE 100 index of shares closed with solid gains for a second straight day Tuesday on sustained investor confidence in government efforts to snuff out a global credit crisis.

London closed rose 3.23 percent to close at 4,394.21

Vodafone was the most traded stock, seeing 306 million untis change hands, followed by the Royal Bank of Scotland which saw 235 million shares switch owners.

The banking sector responded in a mixed manner to the measures taken by governments worldwide with Barclays leading the board, up by 30.75 pence -- or 14.3 percent -- to finish at 246. Icap was the next benefitor, ascending 43 pence -- or 12.5 percent -- to stand at 386.

Among the casualties were Lloyds, falling 10.70 pence -- or 6.60 percent -- to finish at 151.30. HBOS was no exception, shedding 11.40 pence -- or 5.22 percent -- to end at 85.3.

he pound was also up against its major rivals by 15:58 BST. Sterling jumped sharply to 1.7528 US dollar from 1.7405 at Monday close. Compared to the euro the pound rose to 1.2860 from 1.2801.

  Add comment

Name:
E-Mail:
Comment:
Enter code: