MARKET REPORT

STERLING has surged to its highest level against the US dollar since the EU referendum result, following reports that finance ministers from Spain and the Netherlands will push for a “soft Brexit” deal.

The pound was up more than 1% versus the greenback at 1.368 after Bloomberg revealed that finance ministers from both nations aimed to support a divorce agreement that keeps Britain as close to the European Union as possible.

The UK currency was also capitalising on the US dollar’s weakness in response to American consumer inflation slowing to 0.1% in December.

Versus the euro, sterling was 0.3% higher at 1.128 euros.

The move came as the FTSE 100 Index continued its remarkable run by securing another all-time closing high, rising 15.70 points to 7,778.64.

European markets were also enjoying a bright day’s trading, with Germany’s Dax up 0.3% and the Cac 40 in France rising by 0.5%.

Focusing on UK stocks, engineering firm GKN was the biggest riser on the top flight after rejecting a £7bn takeover bid from Melrose.

The company said on Friday that it rebuffed an “opportunistic” and “unsolicited” proposal from the turnaround specialist as it undervalued GKN.

The offer represented a price of 405p per share, comprising 80% in new Melrose shares and 20% in cash.

Shares closed down 87.3p to 420p.

Away from the top tier, Carillion dropped nearly 29% after it emerged that lenders to the construction giant effectively rejected a rescue plan proposed by the debtladen group.

The Press Association said it understands that a business plan tabled by the group on Wednesday was knocked back because it failed to present a solid proposition for restructuring the business.

Sources also suggested that the proposal’s methodology was found wanting.

It came as separate reports from Sky News said the group had put accountancy giants EY and PwC on standby in the event of an administration. Shares in Carillion dropped 5.79p to 14.2p.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 Index were: GKN up 87.3p to 420p, Smiths Group up 84.5p to 1,652p, Marks and Spencer up 8p to 309.2p, WPP up 30.5p to 1,354.5p.

The biggest fallers were NMC Health down 62p to 3,102p, Shire down 66.5p to 3,581p, British American Tobacco down 82p to 4,968p, Direct Line Insurance down 5.3p to 371p.