Temporary power provider Aggreko (AGGK.L) was the strongest riser at the close of trading, with share price up by 4.4 per cent to 1,786p.

The company had earlier impressed with a robust interim trading statement, reporting a 9 per cent rise in group revenues during the first quarter of the year.

The company also confirmed a recent letter of intent to supply the Tokyo Electric Power Company - operator of the stricken Fukushima nuclear power facility 0 had been converted into a $100 million signed contract.

International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG.L) saw its share price grow by 4.1 per cent to 239.1p.

Life insurance consolidator Resolution (RSL.L) reported a 3.7 per cent rise in share price to 305p, while cruise operator Carnival (CCL.L) added 2.8 per cent to its share price of 2,432p. Meanwhile, chemical company Johnson Matthey (JMAT.L) increased by 2.7 per cent to 2,000p.

Associated British Foods (ABF.L) was the biggest faller on Wednesday, dropping 5.8 per cent to 984p. The food and retail group saw share price fall after it said 2011 earnings would be in line with 2010.

However, the Primark owner was also buoyed by Nomura, which reiterated its 'buy' rating for the company.

Banking giant Barclays (BARC.L) saw its share price fall by 4.8 per cent to 287.5p after reporting a decline on first quarter profits compared with the same period last year.

Commercial broadcaster ITV (ITV.L) dropped 3.9 per cent to 72.75p, energy company Centrica (CNA.L) fell 3.5 per cent to 321.4p, while copper miner Antofagasta (ANTO.L) shed 2.7 per cent, closing at 1,359p.

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