London close: Markets up after economic data, Lloyds rises

- Economic data comes in broadly positive- Global indices trading near record highs- M&A speculation surrounds Lloyds, AMECtechMARK 2,658.82 +0.35%FTSE 100 6,649.47 +0.20%FTSE 250 15,406.67 +0.66%UK markets finished in positive territory on Wednesday as investors reacted to a flurry of economic data from home and away, with sentiment lifted as indices overseas continued to set new records.The DAX in Frankfurt and the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 in New York were all trading at or close to all-time highs, while the Nasdaq was reaching levels not seen in over 13 years during today's session."The FTSE has the feeling of an index being pulled along begrudgingly as it is dragged higher by the DAX, buoyed with improving sentiment and a more stable political scene. With US markets more concerned with the impending holiday [Thanksgiving], markets are happy to ease higher rather than move with any real purpose," said Alastair McCaig, Market Analyst at IG.Stocks in London gave little reaction this morning to the confirmation of a pick-up in UK economic growth in the second quarter. The second estimate of UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed that the economy expanded by 0.8% during the three months through September, in line with the initial forecast and up from the 0.7% growth recorded in the second quarter.On this score, Barclays Research's Blerina Uruci pointed out how without stock building British GDP growth would have actually come in flat for quarter three. Meanwhile, data from the States showed an unexpected fall in jobless claims last week, along with better-than-expected readings on consumer confidence, Chicago manufacturing and the leading indicators composite index. Durable goods orders, however, fell in October due to a sharp pull-back in the volatile sectors of defence and aircraft.Markets across Europe were given a lift today by the news that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party has managed to craft a 'grand coalition' with the Social Democrats after two months of negotiations. Meanwhile, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi this evening faces a vote on whether to expel him over his conviction for tax fraud.Lloyds gains on St James's Place speculationLloyds was rising amid speculation that it will likely dispose of a "significant" proportion of its 22% stake in St. James's Place early next month, according to Panmure Gordon. One of the broker's analysts today emailed clients saying the group will probably place "at least 12%" but "could conceivably push for a full exit, albeit the discount required may rule out such a course of action". Engineering firm AMEC was a heavy faller today after going ex-dividend. The company was also making headlines after The Times reported that it is lining up a deal to merge with American rival Foster Wheeler.Others in the FTSE 350 including Johnson Matthey, Vedanta Resources, Lancashire Holdings, 3i Infrastructure, UDG Healthcare, Telecom Plus and Dunelm also went ex-div today.Compass, the world's largest catering group, was higher after beating forecasts with its annual results, driven by strong performances in North America and Fast Growing & Emerging. The company also unveiled a bigger-than-expected share buyback for 2014 of £500m.Water group United Utilities also impressed with its first-half results as underlying operating profits rose 9%. The company also said it is discounting bills by £20m for customers, offsetting the allowed price increases for 2014/15, meaning that bills will go up by no more than inflation.NMC Health was a standout performer, rising as much as 10% after the Dubai government said that healthcare insurance will become mandatory for all residents, at the expense of the employer. Analyst Ingeborg Øie from Jefferies said that the reform was "the catalyst we have waited for".Banknote printer De La Rue was in the red, pulling back after a strong rise the day before after its first-half report. The stock was being weighed down this morning by Citigroup which downgraded its rating from 'buy' to 'hold'.FTSE 100 - RisersSports Direct International (SPD) 732.50p +3.53%Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 77.27p +2.74%Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,527.00p +2.55%Rexam (REX) 503.00p +2.46%Mondi (MNDI) 1,013.00p +2.22%Resolution Ltd. (RSL) 350.80p +2.15%GKN (GKN) 383.60p +2.08%Associated British Foods (ABF) 2,292.00p +1.87%ITV (ITV) 190.10p +1.77%Aviva (AV.) 432.00p +1.67%FTSE 100 - FallersAmec (AMEC) 1,124.00p -3.93%BP (BP.) 482.05p -1.02%Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 3,190.00p -0.93%Severn Trent (SVT) 1,746.00p -0.85%BAE Systems (BA.) 426.20p -0.81%SSE (SSE) 1,340.00p -0.74%Shire Plc (SHP) 2,784.00p -0.68%Fresnillo (FRES) 812.50p -0.67%Vedanta Resources (VED) 875.00p -0.57%Royal Dutch Shell 'B' (RDSB) 2,148.50p -0.56%FTSE 250 - RisersIP Group (IPO) 196.90p +11.31%NMC Health (NMC) 420.00p +10.38%Xaar (XAR) 984.00p +8.13%Hochschild Mining (HOC) 133.90p +5.43%BTG (BTG) 544.00p +4.21%Polymetal International (POLY) 527.00p +3.94%Kenmare Resources (KMR) 19.13p +3.46%ICAP (IAP) 415.10p +3.44%Ferrexpo (FXPO) 177.50p +3.14%Redrow (RDW) 288.40p +3.00%FTSE 250 - FallersDe La Rue (DLAR) 861.00p -6.00%Kazakhmys (KAZ) 223.70p -4.52%Lancashire Holdings Limited (LRE) 797.00p -2.80%Telecom Plus (TEP) 1,875.00p -2.80%Diploma (DPLM) 715.00p -2.65%3i Infrastructure (3IN) 127.20p -2.30%UDG Healthcare Public Limited Company (UDG) 305.70p -2.21%Partnership Assurance Group (PA.) 303.70p -2.00%Ophir Energy (OPHR) 340.30p -1.99%Interserve (IRV) 642.50p -1.98%BC