THE FTSE 100 Index was on the front foot today as investors digested a host of updates and results from UK blue-chips.
The top flight was up 16.7 points to 5336.4 on a hectic day for corporate results as forecast-beating numbers from publisher Reed Elsevier, drugs firm AstraZeneca and engineer Rolls-Royce led the market higher.
Further progress was hampered by a sluggish session in Asia as markets reacted to disappointing economic news from the US yesterday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Japan’s Nikkei 225 were both in the red.
In London, Reed Elsevier cheered 5% or 26.5p to 558.5p as it noted an improved trading performance and stabilising advertising markets.
AstraZeneca followed close behind after lifting its full-year earnings guidance and gaining a boost for heart drug Brilinta from US regulators. Shares cheered 131p to 3333.5p.
Rolls-Royce was also in demand - up 7.5p to 559p - as it said it expected "modestly higher" annual results, driven by a strong performance at its marine business.
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell meanwhile added 6.5p to 1713.5p as the Anglo-Dutch company lifted profits 34% after a strong second quarter and faster than expected progress on cost-cutting plans.
