Morning markets: FTSE opens 2009 in positive territory

The FTSE 100 opened 2009 in positive territory with a rise of 15.07, up 0.34% to 4449.24 by 09.00 GMT.

The FTSE 100 opened 2009 in positive territory with a rise of 15.07, up 0.34% to 4449.24 by 09.00 GMT. The FTSE 100 had suffered its worst year ever in 2008, losing more than 30% of its value in the 12 months. The index closed on 31 December at 4,434, 31% lower than its start in January of 6456.9. Today, mining shares helped push up the index from opening, with Vedanta Resources the highest climber up by 5.72% to 646.50. Anglo American and Randgold Resources, the best performing share in 2008, also started well and Lonmin was another miner benefiting early, rising 4.77%. Daily Mail an...