Morning Markets: FTSE soars ahead of Greek debt decision

London trading got off to a strong start Thursday, following positive results for Rio Tinto and rumours Aviva could be the target of a buyout bid.

The FTSE 100 was up 63.98 points (1.25%) to 5,195.97 after an hour's trade despite an impending announcement on how the EU will deal with Greece's huge national debt. Rio Tinto's shares increased 4.4% to £32.77 after releasing an upbeat full-year financial statement. The firm believes commodity markets will recover through 2010. Aviva shares were up 2.63% to 371.1p after rumours it could be a buyout target. Smith & Nephew was the biggest gainer, advancing 5.21% to 666p after the firm reported a 22% rise in profits. BT shares dropped 5.25% to 124.5p after revealing its pension...