BUZZ-Ashtead top FTSE riser on US read across

** Ashtead top riser on the FTSE 100 in early trade, up as much as 3.6 pct with traders citing read-across from close peer United Rental's Q3 numbers.

** United Rentals (NYSE: URI - news) up around 2 pct in U.S. after hours trading after reporting better-than-expected revenue growth of 15.6 pct following the close.

** Equipment hire firm Ashtead one of the most exposed on the FTSE to a recovering U.S. economy, with 84 pct revenues derived from North America.

** Stock has been weak in last month, down 10.4 pct, but still up 40.6 pct in last year.

Chart: http://link.reuters.com/ter23w

(RM (LSE: RM.L - news) : alasdair.pal.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)