Markets: FTSE 100 sees big gains after the Easter break
The FTSE 100 returned from the Easter break in a positive mood, adding 1.9% to close at 6,961.
- FTSE 100 up 1.9% to 6,961
- Gold down 0.47% to $1,209.20/oz
- £/$ - 1.4808
Commodity and energy stocks were the day's best performers. BG Group was the highest climber, rising 6.7%, while Royal Dutch Shell gained 3.9%. Among miners, Rio Tinto added 4%, and Glencore was 3.5% higher.
In European markets, the Paris CAC 40 rose 1.5% to 5,151, and the German Xetra Dax gained 1.3% to 12,123.
In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped five points to 17,875, the S&P 500 fell 0.2% to 2,076, and the Nasdaq Composite was 0.1% lower at 4,910.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Overnight in Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 0.8% to 19,789, and the broader Topix index added 0.6% to 1,588. And in China, the Shanghai Composite and the CSI 300 each rose 0.8% to 3,994 and 4,295 respectively.
Brent spot was trading at $58.35 early today, and in New York, crude oil was at $52.96. Spot gold was trading at $1,211 an ounce, silver was at $16.89 and platinum was at $1,175.
In the forex markets this morning, sterling was trading against the US dollar at 1.4895 and against the euro at 1.3699. The dollar was trading at 0.9197 against the euro and 119.78 against the Japanese yen.
And today, Royal Dutch Shell says it is to buy BG Group for £47bn. BG shareholders will receive £3.83 plus 0.45 Shell B shares for each BG share they hold a 50% premium on Tuesday's market price.
-
FTSE 100 hits record highs – why is it rising and will we see more gains?
Advice UK equities have been described as unloved for a long time but as the FTSE 100 hits new highs, we explain if now is the time to buy British.
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
How to invest in copper
It may be time to invest in copper as the red metal appears poised for a big jump. Dominic Frisby looks at what should investors should buy
By Dominic Frisby Published