29 August 2013 Last updated at 16:54 Continue reading the main story Continue reading the main story Last Updated at 29 Aug 2013, 16:36 *Chart shows local time Vodafone Group Serco Group (Close): Shares in Vodafone jumped by 8.56% after the mobile phone giant confirmed it was in talks over the sale of its US business. It is talking to Verizon Communications over the sale of its 45% stake in their joint venture, Verizon Wireless. Vodafone's share rise helped to lift the wider market, with the FTSE 100 up 59.82 points, or 0.93%, at 6,489.88. WPP shares rose 4.16% after the advertising group reported a rise in half-year profits. The company also raised its outlook for the rest of the year. Shares in outsourcing group Serco sank 11.21% with the company facing a possible block on bidding for new government contracts. On Wednesday, the justice ministry asked police to investigate some Serco staff over possible fraudulent behaviour on a prisoner escorting contract. Oil prices fell as it appeared that any military strikes against Syria could be delayed. Brent crude was at $115.90. On the currency markets, the pound fell by 0.19% against the dollar to $1.54970 and rose 0.66% against the euro to 1.17160 euros.