The FTSE 100 rallied on Friday as investors grew optimistic over US-China trade relations, while the pound strengthened on better-than-expected UK services data. The FTSE 100 rallied on Friday as investors grew optimistic over US-China trade relations, while the pound strengthened on better-than-expected UK services data. The FTSE trailed the likes of the DAX thanks in part to the stronger pound in the morning session. The closely watched IHS Markit/CIPS UK services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a reading of 51.2 in December, which was higher than the 50.4 recorded in November and above the 50.7 reading economists were expecting. The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Antofagasta up 47.6p to 785.6p, Schroders up 153p to 2,592p, Evraz up 27.1p to 469.2p, and Melrose Industries up 9p to 164.65p.

Source: Irish Independent January 04, 2019 17:26 UTC