FTSE 100 index adds 0.5% driven by insurers and banks

British FTSE 100 index prolonged gains on Wednesday supported by insurers and banks on news 15 of 19 US banks passed Fed stress test. Gains were limited as report showed jobless claims rose more than expected in February. Barclays surged 4.4%, Lloyds Banking Group gained 3% and HSBC Holdings climbed 1%. Tullow Oil added 1% after company reported an increase in net profit for 2011 and doubled dividend. On the downside G4S fell 1.8% and declined for the second straight day after posting disappointing earnings. At the moment of writing FTSE 100 is 0.49% or 29.02 points up at 5,984.84.