LONDON (ShareCast) - CRH was a strong riser following a strong start on Wall Street for the Dow and S&P 500, with the latter up at the 1,500 mark for the first time since 2007, following the better-than-expected jobless claims data.

Utilities stocks were also providing a lift today after a series of broker upgrades. HSBC upped its rating for Centrica to 'overweight', while Bank of America Merrill Lynch raised its recommendation for both Severn Trent and United Utilities to 'neutral'.

Polymetal International rose on news it has completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of Olymp, a Russian legal entity holding the mining and exploration licence for the Olcha gold-silver deposit.

International Consolidated Airlines Group (known as IAG) was up following reports yesterday that it may ask its Spanish airline Iberia to stay firm on a tough cost-cutting programme. According to Spanish daily El Economista, IAG will provide a framework for Iberia to stay on course in a board meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto were edging higher after the improved Chinese data lifted the outlook for demand.

ENRC fell one day after it was reported the group approached several banks to refinance an existing loan.

Vodafone got a boost after Macquarie raised its target price on the stock from 195p 185p.


FTSE 100 - Risers
CRH (CRH) 1,341.00p +5.26%
United Utilities Group (UU.) 748.00p +4.25%
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 216.70p +4.03%
Croda International (CRDA) 2,442.00p +3.56%
Vodafone Group (VOD) 169.05p +3.43%
Polymetal International (POLY) 1,095.00p +3.40%
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 53.73p +3.29%
Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN) 406.80p +2.60%
Wolseley (WOS) 2,967.00p +2.45%
Severn Trent (SVT) 1,643.00p +2.43%

FTSE 100 - Fallers
Aggreko (AGK) 1,779.00p -2.20%
Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets (MRW) 257.00p -0.85%
Wood Group (John) (WG.) 829.00p -0.78%
Petrofac Ltd. (PFC) 1,722.00p -0.75%
British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSY) 794.00p -0.75%
Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 327.00p -0.61%
Eurasian Natural Resources Corp. (ENRC) 339.30p -0.53%
Melrose Industries (MRO) 242.50p -0.41%
Meggitt (MGGT) 432.00p -0.39%
Evraz (EVR) 308.20p -0.23%

NR

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