FTSE 100 rises for sixth day in a row

The FTSE 100 has closed higher for a sixth consecutive day, helping the blue-chip index register is second weekly gain.

By Ben Harrington

Hopes that Government and central bank stimulus plans are helping an economic recovery gain momentum pushed the FTSE 100 up 3.2pc on the week. Yesterday, the blue-chip index rose 8.94 points to 5172.89, taking it close to a 52-week high.

Philip Isherwood, analyst at Evolution, said: "Equities are feeding off a liquidity-theme that centres on confidence central banks aren't going to change policy rates any time soon."

Darren Winder, strategist at Cazenove, said the market is likely to continue to rise as profits recover. He said: "The recovery in profits in 2010, and beyond, is likely to be stronger than expected previously . . . the risks to the outlook for the FTSE 100 over the next six to 12 months are weighted to the upside." Link...