LONDON -- What's better than a rising FTSE 100 (UKX)?

Owning shares that are rising faster than the blue-chip index!

Here are three large-cap winners from the last seven days.

1. International Airlines 
International Airlines (LSE: IAG.L) has climbed 6% to 163 pence since last Monday, in part perhaps on the back of traffic statistics for September.

The group, which was established in 2011 when British Airways merged with Spanish rival Iberia, said "revenue passenger kilometres" rose by 5% and group premium traffic advanced by 8%.

The airline also confirmed trading conditions in London remained "firm," while the performance in Madrid was still affected by "weak economic conditions."

2. Whitbread 
The last seven days have seen the shares of Whitbread (LSE: WTB.L) climb 4% to 24 pounds.

The recent buying follows a trading statement last month, in which the hotel and restaurant group said total sales had improved almost 15%.

Indeed, the shares jumped 5% on the day of that announcement as investors warmed to the group's Costa Coffee operation delivering a 25% sales increase. 

The recent run has extended Whitbread's 2012 share-price gain to a frothy 53%.

3. Marks & Spencer 
Rallying 3% to 171 pence, Marks & Spencer (LSE: MKS.L) has been among the FTSE 100's main gainers since this time last week.

The gains may be due to the venerable retailer confirming it's going to draft in 20,000 Christmas staff this year -- some 5,000 more than were recruited during 2011. 

Presumably M&S is expecting bumper festive sales -- and aiming to beat the 33 million mince pies it sold last year.

More potential winners
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Maynard does not own any share mentioned in this article.