BT Share News (BT.A)

Retail firms received a boost on Thursday after data showed higher-than-expected UK retail sales. Sales rose 1.7% month-on-month in December, much better than the 0.3% consensus expectation. Drinks group SABMiller and supermarket giant Tesco were both advancing.Financial stocks were also rising in line with strong performance in the wider market. Old Mutual and Aberdeen Asset Management both increased amid a positive reaction to the Federal Reserve's policy and rebounding crude futures.International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) was advancing after news broke that the British Airways owners submitted a takeover proposal for Are Lingus that was rejected by its board of directors. IAG said: "There can be no certainty that any further proposal or offer will be forthcoming."Meanwhile, bottling firm Coca-Cola HBC shares were falling as investors showed concerns about its Russian exposure.BT was also on the decline after rumours that the firm could launch a £2bn rights issue to fund its acquisition of EE. According to IG analyst Alastair McCraig, "Information about how BT plans to organise its acquisition of EE continues to come from the company, and a proposed £2bn rights issue has kept today's share move in the red." FTSE 100 - RisersSABMiller (SAB) 3,377.50p +5.68%Old Mutual (OML) 189.70p +5.56%Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN) 431.00p +5.48%IMI (IMI) 1,235.00p +5.20%ARM Holdings (ARM) 975.50p +4.89%Admiral Group (ADM) 1,317.00p +4.03%Tesco (TSCO) 174.70p +3.90%International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 460.50p +3.81%London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) 2,212.00p +3.80%Shire Plc (SHP) 4,690.00p +3.72%FTSE 100 - FallersCoca-Cola HBC AG (CDI) (CCH) 1,218.00p -1.93%Glencore (GLEN) 290.85p -0.55%United Utilities Group (UU.) 914.00p -0.44%BT Group (BT.A) 400.60p -0.30%Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 75.17p -0.24%Tullow Oil (TLW) 395.00p -0.03%