Banks lead the way as UK market jumps on Scottish 'no' vote

Shares in the largest Scottish companies, notably financials, helped power the FTSE 100 higher this morning after the results of the Scottish referendum revealed the country had voted to remain part of the UK.

Shares in the largest Scottish financial institutions rose after the opening bell, with Royal Bank of Scotland opening up 3.4%, Aberdeen rising 1.3% and Standard Life 1.9% higher. Lloyds Banking Group was also firmer, up 2.8% at 77.99p. The wider FTSE 100 index rose 45 points or 0.7% to stand at 6,863, adding to its 0.6% gains on Thursday ahead of the referendum results. Analysts across the City widely expected a relief rally this morning, after the referendum outcome removed the uncertainty lingering over Scotland and the rest of the UK for months. Some fund managers had pulled...