British stocks rise 0.68 pct

British shares rose on Friday, with the benchmark FTSE 100 Index up by 0.68 percent, or 49.33 points, to close at 7,297.43 points.

Pearson, an international publishing group, soared 12.39 percent, the top gainer of the blue chips.

International Consolidated Airlines Group and Rolls-Royce Holdings rose 5.51 percent and 5.05 percent, respectively.

British media company ITV was the worst performer in the blue chips, with its shares losing 2.61 percent.

Banking firm Barclays dropped 2.6 percent. Admiral Group, a motor insurance company, fell 1.83 percent. Endit