Market numbers: Friday 2nd May 2014

FTSE 100: 6,822.42 ↑13.55 ↑0.20%

FTSE 250: 15,930.92 ↑ 80.58 ↑ 0.51%

The index of leading UK company shares reached a two month high on Friday, boosted by strong earnings data in the UK and jobs growth in the US.

The top riser in the FTSE 100 on Friday was RBS, up 9.2% on impressive profits in the first quarter and improving bad debts, both far exceeding market expectations.

Non-farm payrolls data in the US revealed 288,000 jobs added in April, ahead of a 210,000 consensus forecast, strengthening the opinion that the world’s biggest economy is regaining pace after poor weather hit its growth earlier this year.

US Dollar: £1 buys $1.68720

Euro: £1 buys €1.21630

Japanese Yen: ¥172.46100

Brent Crude Oil Futures $/barrel: 108.53

Forex Gold Index (pm fix) $/oz: 1,281.25

Silver Index $/oz: 19.17

UK 10 Year Benchmark Gilt Yield: 2.64%