The FTSE 100 index finished the week with a flourish, closing 135.4 points higher at 5505.6.

GDP figures showed no growth between April and June but analysts looked on the bright side as the news increased the chances that the Bank of England will lower interest rates from 5 per cent.

Halifax Bank of Scotland was one of the biggest risers, up 6 per cent or 17p to 289p. Royal Bank of Scotland added 11.25p to 220.75p, while Lloyds TSB cheered 19.5p to 299.5p, a gain of 7 per cent.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, which is due to report results next week, gained 3.25p to 45.5p, alongside a further rise for rival Persimmon of 33p to 360p.

Property firms joined in the rally, with Hammerson up 45p at 918p and Liberty International top of the risers board after a gain of 70p to 945p. Analysts said Liberty's improvement came after a major investor increased its stake.

A shortened fallers board was frequented by commodity firms after the price of oil steadied following a gain of five US dollars yesterday. Cairn Energy, which is also due to post results in the coming days, fell 10p to 2866p.

International Power was another faller, after it said the two units at its Rugeley power station in Staffordshire were likely to be out of action until late September, but shares recovered at the end of the session to leave IP half a penny higher at 389p.

Winners: Liberty International up 70p at 945p, Lloyds TSB ahead 19.5p at 299.5p, Aviva up 32.5p at 509.5p and HBOS ahead 17p at 289p.

Losers: Eurasian Natural Resources down 29p at 1033p, Xstrata off 59p at 3101p, Antofagasta down 3.5p at 575p and Vedanta Resources off 10p at 1798p.

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