The FTSE 100 is up 16.2 points, or 0.25%, to 6,622.8 in early trading, as an increased demand for utilities is pushing the index higher.
However, Vodafone is posting the biggest gains with a rise of 3.46% to 149.60p, closely followed by utility stocks such as Drax which is up 3.02% to 819.5p, and Kelda Group which has added 2.52% to 997p. Rexam is also up 3.37% to 537.5p, while British Land has added 2.03% to £14.55, although gains are being limited by Bradford & Bingley which has slipped 1.48% to 448.25p. Tate & Lyle is the biggest loser with a fall of 6.82% to 601p, following cautious comments about its current trading situation, while retailer Next has fallen 2% to £22.54, International Power has slipped 1.81%t o 460....
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