WPP profits rise with strength of advertising market

Half-year pre-tax profits at WPP, the world's largest advertising group, have risen 36% to £244m.

The figures were boosted by growth in the US and the UK, but the strongest markets are still in Asia, according to WPP.

Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP's chief executive, said that "mild expansion" is replacing the "fear phase" that was gripping the market last year.