The FTSE 100 touches 2009 high
The FTSE 100 index hit a high for 2009 this morning although some profit takers did take advantage of the rise to cash in their chips later in the day. On a day which was dominated by potential takeover talk involving Legal & General and Cadbury there were reports of more upbeat trading amongst investors. The situation regarding Cadbury and the bid from Kraft Foods is something which we have covered in great detail over the last few weeks but a story which seems set to run for some time. Will Kraft Foods return with a higher offer or will a third party enter the fray?
There was also takeover talk swirling around Legal & General and a potential breakup of the group although there is also a regulatory review due to be announced later this week which many believe will be positive for the sector. However, all in all it appears as though UK investors are ignoring the short-term economic outlook and looking towards the medium to longer term. We can only hope that the perceived economic recovery, which the Bank of England believes is just around the corner, actually emerges this time rather than fading into the background again.
In many ways there is a feeling of déjà vu with this particular bout of optimism from traders but yet again time will tell.
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