On Wednesday, London stocks closed slightly higher than expected despite the doubts and skepticism of worldwide investors of the viability of the U.S. governments' latest rescue plan for the struggling financial industry.

The FTSE 100 index of shares added 0.5 percent to 4,234.26.

The most traded stock with 118 million units change hands was Vodafone, followed by Royal bank of Scotland (RBS) which saw 97.3 million shares switch owners.

Gold miner Randgold was the day's top gainer, soaring 7.7 percent -- or 236 pence -- to close at 3,300, followed by household products maker Reckitt Benckiser, which added 7.55 percent -- or 198 pence -- to end at 2820.

Banker Lloyds was unfortunately the session's biggest loser, shedding 7.9 percent -- or 7.5 pence -- to close at 87.4. Barclays also lost, shedding 4.32 percent -- or 4.9 pence -- to end at 108.5.

The pound also continued to lose strength against the dollar and euro closing at 1.4358 dollars and 1.1117 euros.

Royal Bank of Scotland United kingdom Barclays Ftse