FTSE

City analysts believe the FTSE 100 could hit an all-time high of almost 7,000 points this year as the global economic recovery gathers pace.

A family-owned hedge fund will offer investors the chance to use Twitter posts to gauge the mood of the stockmarket.

The FTSE 100 is expected to receive a powerful boost from strong US markets overnight which hit highs last seen before the collapse of Lehman Brothers two years ago.

The FTSE was trading more than 40 points higher this morning at 5,933, its highest level since June 2008.

The FTSE has broken through the 5,900 barrier, up 0.56% or 32.89 to 5,904 at 3pm, to reach a 52-week high.

The FTSE had a volatile start to this week's trading as investor fears over the eurozone crisis took hold but the index is now up 0.12% to 5874.

ON UK INCOME

The FTSE has advanced more than 60 points on Tuesday as investors were buoyed by news of US tax cuts, but European debt fears were keeping a lid on sentiment ahead of the Irish budget.

ON UK GROWTH

The FTSE 100 was up 1.09% or 60.17 to 5588.44 at 10.20am, shrugging off yesterday's dull showing after concerns over the eurozone debt left the index firmly in the red.