Dublin: WPP Group, the world’s largest advertising agency, has said it may return its tax domicile back to Britain if the new government guarantees it will not subject overseas profits to British tax.

Almost £49bn (€61.4bn) was wiped off the value of blue-chip shares today as fears mounted about the scale of the recession facing the UK and world economies.

The London market made strong gains today as cheerier trading on the back of some good US news more than wiped out yesterday’s 1.3% fall.

The London market closed in the red today after a volatile session amid concerns over the housing market and political tension between Israel and Iran.

MORE British-based firms have joined the list of companies considering a move to Ireland for tax purposes.

Brewer Scottish & Newcastle saw its shares enjoy a late surge today on rumours of possible bid interest from Heineken or Carlsberg.

London’s leading shares powered to a new five-year high today as investors remained in bullish mood despite the drag of big mining stocks.

Jitters over interest rates impacted on world markets today as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s next move on borrowing costs.

Investors were in nervous mood today ahead of the Federal Reserve’s decision on US interest rates later this week.

Investors in blue-chip stocks were today treated to the sight of the FTSE 100 Index breaking through the 6100 threshold for the first time in more than five years.

Media giant Reuters and defence firm BAE Systems were the chief culprits behind a heavy fall by the FTSE 100 Index today.

The London market began the trading week confidently today even though the exodus of investors from PartyGaming showed no sign of slowing down.

Insurers and oil stocks ensured the London market regained its feelgood factor today and buried the memories of two straight weeks of losses.

The London market suffered a sharp reversal of fortunes today to lose hold of lunchtime gains and close deeply in the red.

Record oil prices and good news from the banking sector helped the FTSE 100 Index surge to a fresh three-year high today.

The London market suffered a late sell-off today after the United States said its trade deficit had ballooned to a record $61bn (€47.4bn) in February.

The FTSE 100 Index celebrated a major landmark today as it broke through the 5000 barrier before slipping back.

The FTSE 100 Index built on its recent winning streak today to end the week at another 29-month high.

Top flight shares ended the day heavily in the red despite a better-than-expected start to trading in New York.

Signs that oil prices may be on the skids and a strong start on Wall Street enabled the London market to rack up big gains today.

The London market saw its hopes of ending in positive territory dashed today by concerns over higher interest rates.

A poor start to the session on Wall Street and jitters about tomorrow’s UK inflation data left London shares firmly in the red today.

London shares pushed into positive territory today as investors sought to prevent a third straight day of losses.

A WAVE of more upbeat company results and economic data have stoked a summer surge in British share prices and should keep them on the rise in the coming months — albeit at a less sizzling pace.

London’s leading shares just managed to finish the week in positive territory today after earlier gains melted away.

London’s FTSE 100 Index of leading shares was stuck in the red today after losing hold of some of the sharp rise seen yesterday.

War in Iraq continued to dominate trading on the London Stock Exchange as fears of a protracted conflict knocked investor confidence.

WPP Group, one of the world's biggest advertising groups, has reported a major decline in profits for the year 2002.

LONDON shares finally kicked into life yesterday as better-than-expected economic data in the United States rubbed off on investors.

London shares finally kicked into life today as better-than-expected economic data in the United States rubbed off on investors.

The FTSE 100 Index achieved its highest close for two months today after a rush of positive news provided investors with cause for cheer.

London shares - feature movements at 10.00 am

ENERGY giants BP and Shell bolstered the London market yesterday after crude oil prices jumped to an 11-month high.

WPP Group, the world’s biggest advertising group, warned of further advertising gloom yesterday, predicting no recovery until next year at the earliest as it posted an 8% slide in underlying revenues.

The FTSE 100 Index is building on yesterday's much-needed gains, rising by 38.6 to 5139.3 at mid-morning.

The start of Wimbledon fortnight saw the London market serve up a decidedly lacklustre session.