FTSE lifted by defence stocks and 9% jump in Smiths Group

The FTSE 100 index climbed sharply on Tuesday, boosted by defence stocks and a 9% rise in engineering firm Smiths Group.

The UK's blue chip index was up 1.8% by mid-afternoon, trading at 6,257, with Smiths Group topping the list of winners. Its share price was up 9% at £10.10, after the company reported strong Q1 results and a change in its pension plan funding, which is expected to provide a boost to its cashflow. Meanwhile, defence companies were supported by France's military response to Friday's attacks in Paris, as the country launched new air raids on Islamic State bases in Syria. 'Defence spend is no longer optional: Europe needs to find the money' Within the defence sector, Rolls Royce, whi...