Wall Street capped a subdued day of trading today with a tiny gain and another milestone.

A raft of economic data from the US and China fuelled fears over the global economic recovery today and hit confidence on the London market.

Investors endured another see-saw session today as heavyweight BP took more punishment and worries over a bank tax hit financial stocks.

Part-nationalised British banks and miners took the top spots on the London market today as the index gained - while attention remained fixed on the Greek bailout.

Shares in part-nationalised banks made further strides today as the London market extended gains seen after Greece’s decision to summon financial aid.

Oil stocks underpinned progress for the London market today as takeover talk gave a helping hand to retailers.

Declining oil prices and weakness in other commodities sent stocks lower today, as investors took profits and beat up the stocks that led Wall Street’s early January rally.

The prospect of a tight race for the presidency – and a repeat of the 2000 court battle – prompted a late selloff on Wall Street tonight, with stocks finishing the session mixed despite a fresh drop in oil prices.