The FTSE 100 Index has risen 19.7 points, or 0.4%, to 5642.5 so far this morning led by commodities companies BP, BHP Billiton and Anglo American as oil trades near $60 a barrel and gold prices increase.
Hilton Group has also climbed 4.5p, or1.23%, to 369p. on reports the UK company is close to selling its lodging business to Hilton Hotels of the US for £3.6bn with an announcement expected this lunchtime. BHP Billiton, the world's biggest mining company, is up 1.4% to 948p. Anglo-American has added 0.9% to 1981 pence, while BP, Europe's biggest oil company, is up 0.7% to 625.5p. Royal Dutch Shell, the second largest, has also advanced 0.3% to 1786p. Meanwhile, gold is trading near its highest in two weeks on speculation central banks, the biggest holders of the metal, may buy more bullio...
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