FTSE gains as Greek crisis fears abate

Talk of plans to rescue the eurozone's banking system, alongside hopes Greece can remain in the single currency, lifted shares in early trading today.

Although Greece's future as a member of the single currency is by no means certain, the cost of allowing the country to exit - estimated at €1trn - is now being seen as so steep as to be prohibitive. Coupled with plans being ironed out in Europe to provide a bailout fund for banks across the continent, the news lifted sentiment, with shares across Europe moving higher. The FTSE 100 is up 0.75%, or 40 points, at 5,391, with energy companies and miners the main winners. In Europe, French shares are up 0.66% or 20.08 points, with the Cac at 3,068, while the German Dax is ahead 0.8% or...