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Banks lead FTSE higher on Irish deal

Published 11/29/2010, 04:17 AM
Updated 11/29/2010, 04:20 AM
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* FTSE 100 up 0.9 percent

* Banks rebound on Ireland rescue

* Miners recover, tracking metals prices higher

By Tricia Wright

LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Britain's top share index rose on Monday, buoyed by banks which recovered after sharp falls in the previous session, as the European Union finally agreed a rescue package for debt-strapped Ireland.

By 0905 GMT, the FTSE 100 was 52.80 points, or 0.9 percent, higher at 5,721.50, having closed down 0.5 percent on Friday.

"I think the market's up on the back of the lack of negative news coming out over the weekend, certainly with regards to Europe," Manoj Ladwa, senior trader at ETX Capital, said.

"And also we've got the U.S. futures trading in positive territory ... so the momentum seems to be on the upside, but volumes are still very low," he said.

EU finance ministers on Sunday endorsed an 85 billion euro ($115 billion) loan package to help Ireland cover the country's bad bank debts and bridge its budget deficit, and approved the outlines of a permanent crisis-resolution system.

Risk sensitive banks were in demand, with Royal Bank of Scotland adding 4.5 percent and Lloyds Banking Group 2.6 percent firmer.

Barclays also put on 2.6 percent. Bob Diamond, Barclays's chief executive designate, is spearheading a strategic review of 50 to 60 of the bank's key divisions to determine if underperforming units can demonstrate clear growth potential, without having to be cross-subsidised by the firm's best profit drivers, The Sunday Times said.

Mining stocks also enjoyed a rally, supported by firmer metals prices, with copper up about 1 percent, helped by supply tightness in the global market. Antofagasta rose 2 percent, with Xstrata up 1.6 percent.

African Barrick Gold was among the top FTSE 100 risers, adding 3 percent, after the firm found more gold at the Nyanzaga project.

Energy stocks were in favour, tracking the crude price higher, led by BP, up 1 percent, after it agreed to sell its stake in Argentina-based oil and gas group Pan American Energy to Bridas Corp for $7 billion.

On the downside, Resolution fell 0.9 percent after JPMorgan Cazenove initiated coverage on the insurance buyout specialist with an "underweight" rating, saying while the stock is undervalued, it sees "better value elsewhere in UK Life", with its top pick Aviva, up 2 percent.

Downbeat broker sentiment also weighed on Shire, with Jefferies cutting its rating on the drugmaker to "hold" from "buy", saying a "growth spurt (is) priced in".

On the domestic macroeconomics front, Bank of England consumer credit, mortgage lending and mortgage approvals data are scheduled for release at 0930 GMT.

Also on Monday, the Office for Budget Responsibility is to publish its autumn forecast. (Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)

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