FTSE sees best start to a year since 1999

The FTSE 100 has had the best start to a year since 1999 as investors pour billions back into global equities.

By Friday's close the index had risen 3.8% to 6,121, the first full week of trading representing its best start to a year for over a decade. The last time London's blue chip index reached such a high was in May 2008. The FTSE All World index has also rallied, reaching its highest level since May 2011 at 230.67, and the rally has been supported by a return to risk assets. Last week saw the largest inflows into equity funds in more than five years, according to data from research firm EPFR. Net flows into equity funds reached $22.2bn (£13.8bn) in the week to January 9, the highest le...