Centrica lagged behind as another batch of upbeat economic data pushed the FTSE 100 up 2 per cent to close above 4,500 points for the first time since January.

Shares in the company, which owns British Gas, fell 3.5 per cent to 237½p as traders noted a spike in short-term UK gas prices. A sharp increase in gas prices can be difficult for companies such as Centrica because they struggle to pass on the costs to customers.