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FTSE 100 led higher by insurer L&G FTSE 100 benefits from mining boost
(about 3 hours later)
(Open): The UK market opened higher, with insurer Legal & General leading the way after it reported stronger-than-expected half-year results. (Noon): The market remained in positive territory during lunchtime trade, with mining shares among the top risers.
L&G shares rose 3.6% after it reported an 18% rise in operating profits to £750m in the first half of the year. Shares in miners rebounded as investors looked for bargains following recent falls in the sector.
L&G's rise helped the FTSE 100 index to stand 19.61 points higher at 6,706.18 in early morning trade. Sentiment was also helped by upbeat economic data from China - the world's largest importer of raw materials.
London Stock Exchange shares rose 2.5% after it reported a 16% rise in half-year operating profits to £239.4m. BHP Billiton rose 3.3% and Rio Tinto was 3% higher. The two firms topped the FTSE 100's risers board, with the index up 28.67 points at 6,715.24.
The market was also bolstered by the mining sector, with shares in miners rising after upbeat economic data from China - the world's largest importer of raw materials. Shares in BHP Billiton rose 2.7% and Rio Tinto was 2.5% higher. Shares in the London Stock Exchange rose 2.2% after it reported a 16% rise in half-year operating profits to £239.4m.
Ryanair shares were up 1.2% after the company said that in July it became the first airline to carry more than 10 million passengers in a month. The group's results were boosted by the contribution from the US Frank Russell business, which it bought last year and combined with its own FTSE index business.
Legal & General shares rose 1.8% after the insurer reported an 18% rise in operating profits to £750m in the first half of the year.
Ryanair shares were up 1.6% after the company said that in July it became the first airline to carry more than 10 million passengers in a month.
Ryanair said it carried 10.1 million customers last month, up 11% from a year earlier.Ryanair said it carried 10.1 million customers last month, up 11% from a year earlier.
On the currency markets, the pound edged up 0.05% against the dollar to $1.5572, and rose 0.3% against the euro to €1.4342. On the currency markets, the pound rose 1.6% against the dollar to $1.5589, and climbed 0.3% against the euro to €1.4350.