FTSE breaks through 6,000 after Dow surges to two year high

The FTSE has pushed above 6,000 today, on the back of strong performance from the US with the Dow Jones soaring to a two year high.

The FTSE stood at 6012.83 after opening this morning, up 0.92%, as UK investors took heart from news the Dow Jones closed at a two-year high, up 1.25% to 12,040.16, last night. Yesterday's strong company updates and economic figures helped to quell fears over the unrest in Egypt. Imperial Tobacco Group was up 3.90% to 1864.00p today, representing the strongest gain on the FTSE100. Miners also help lead the charge with Euarasian Natural Resources up 2.41% to 1062.00p. Lonmin grew 2.18% to 17.36%, Xstrata hit 1432.00p after increasing 2.10%, and Rio Tinto was up 1.69% to 4417.50p. ...