BBC News - London shares reach 12-year high 20 May 2013 Last updated at 22:33 Continue reading the main story Continue reading the main story The FTSE 100 has closed at its highest level for more than 12 years, finishing 32 points up on the day at 6,756. That leaves it just short of the FTSE's all-time highest finish - the level of 6,930 reached in December 1999. Analysts say investors are increasingly putting their money into stock markets because interest rate cuts had made the return on bonds appear unattractive. Banks were the day's big gainers, with RBS up 4.5% after a broker upgrade. Airline Easyjet was also up 4%. The last time it reached the current level was in September 2000. The day's other leading performers included BT - up 2.6% - and United Utilities, which rose 2.5% after an upgrade of the sector by Goldman Sachs and recent excitement surrounding the overseas bid interest in rival Severn Trent.