Sage, the accountancy software group, was one of just six FTSE 100 stocks that closed in positive territory Friday as the wider market fell sharply on fears that the US could be heading for recession.

Shares in the accountancy software group firmed up 1.8 per cent to 243p after UBS upgraded it to “buy”. The broker said concerns about Sage’s US medical division, Emdeon, had been overplayed. “There is a good growth opportunity if Sage invests to improve the reputation and the sales effort at Emdeon,” it said.