Morning Markets: BT and Rolls-Royce push FTSE forward

London shares were in positive territory this morning, led by telecoms giant BT Group.

The FTSE 100 climbed 21.72 points (0.48%) to 4,569.25, with Shell and Reed Elsivier holding the index back. BT shares jumped 12.56% to 126.85p as the group announced better than expected quarterly profits. Positive results also helped boost Rolls-Royce, adding 7.99% to 405.25p after posting a 9% rise in half-year profits. However, shares in publisher Reed Elsevier plummeted 14.06% after the firm confirmed it would make a huge rights issue to help pay down its debts. Shell shares fell this morning as the firm unveiled a 70% drop in profits, with ‘A' stock down 0.5%, while ‘B' sto...