Sharewatch: WPP Rises On US Recovery Hopes

WPP was seen in focus, up 3.64% on hopes that US economic recovery would feed through into stronger revenues. BSkyB was also boosted by positive sentiment in the media sector and added 3.34%.

Carlton and Granada also remained in the spotlight yesterday as analysts continued to revise their forecasts for the group after the Competition Commission cleared the way for their planned £4 billion merger (see ITV Cleared To Merge With Sales Houses Intact). Carlton was seen up 1.28%.

Broader market sentiment was bullish as London blue chips closed above the 4,300 level for the second time this year. The Bank Of England’s decision to keep interest rates on hold had little effect on the market.

The closing prices of media company shares on Thursday were: