World markets rallied higher today after the boss of the European Central Bank pledged to do “whatever it takes” to keep the euro together.

Barclays shares rose 3% today as chairman Marcus Agius’s decision to step down in the wake of the rate-rigging scandal was backed by investors.

A surge in Spain’s borrowing costs to within bail-out territory triggered another session of losses for London’s leading shares index today.

London’s leading index was broadly flat today as fears over Europe’s banks were offset by a strong consumer confidence survey on the other side of the Atlantic.

An upbeat note from Goldman Sachs boosted the banking sector today and helped limit losses for London’s leading shares index.

A lack of progress in talks between Greece and its creditors unsettled investors today as London's leading shares index failed to build on last week's gains.

Banking stocks led strong gains on the London market today as optimism surrounding the global economic outlook strengthened.

A successful Spanish bond auction and strong German economic data eased fears over the eurozone crisis and drove world markets higher today.

London's blue chip shares today made nervous gains in a volatile session as traders digested a possible three trillion euro plan to rescue the single currency.

London’s leading index closed higher for a third day running as investors shrugged off fears of a slowdown in the euro region.

The London market continued its nervous rally today after sentiment was boosted by better-than-expected economic data from the US.

A waitress fired from a restaurant when she was pregnant has been awarded more than €14,000 in compensation.

The London market ended slightly higher as lower oil prices hit the energy sector and overshadowed a strong session for UK insurers.

World markets saw a turnaround in fortunes today after better-than-expected jobs data from the United States calmed nerves about the global economy.

The London market was dragged down today by fears over the impact higher oil prices will have on inflation and global economic growth.

Car insurer Admiral posted record profits today after “a high adrenaline combination” of rapid growth in the number of vehicles on its books and “dramatic” price hikes.

The rally on London’s FTSE 100 Index came to a halt today amid falls from heavyweight oil giant Royal Dutch Shell and concerns over escalating violence in Egypt.

The London market fluctuated today ahead of a decision by the US Federal Reserve on how they intend to stimulate economic recovery.

Investors cheered news today of Lloyds Banking Group’s success in securing Santander UK boss Antonio Horta-Osorio as its new chief executive.

THE spectre of Gavin Henson continues to hang over Welsh rugby after he featured in a marketing campaign for the new Wales kit yesterday.

The FTSE 100 Index strode towards the 5800 mark today on renewed US recovery hopes, but eyes were focussed firmly on the political battle ahead after the Prime Minister confirmed the general election date.

Hopes for debt-laden Greece helped buoy investor sentiment today and drive blue chip stocks higher.

The FTSE 100 Index dropped back below the 5600 level today as concerns over moves to calm China’s economy hit mining stocks hard.

The FTSE 100 Index powered to gains of more than 1% today despite investors dumping shares in Prudential for the second session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm in positive territory today, but it was a tough session for blue chip insurers Prudential and Admiral.

Energy and banking firms were out of favour with investors today as the London market slid lower.

The FTSE 100 Index finished a see-saw session on the front foot today as mixed company results gave investors food for thought.

The FTSE 100 Index dipped into negative territory today after poor earnings from US groups General Electric and Bank of America knocked investor confidence.

Supermarket Sainsbury’s was a prominent casualty today as the FTSE 100 Index failed to maintain the momentum after two winning sessions.

London's blue chip share index overcame early jitters to resume its 25-year record summer rally today.

The London market soared 2% to a fresh 10-month high today as shares rallied for a fourth session in a row.

London’s blue chip share index rallied towards the 4800 barrier today as investors shrugged off economic doubts.

The FTSE 100 Index finished ahead for the first time this week as sentiment was given a tentative boost by more upbeat corporate and economic news today.

A takeover move from FirstGroup for rival National Express sent transport shares higher on the London market today.

World markets received a jolt today after commodity prices fell and investors pondered whether the recent rally in share prices had gone too far.

Hopes that the worst of the global slowdown could be over helped London's blue-chips climb to their highest point for nearly three months today.

The beleaguered London market took another hammering today as a late sell-off left the FTSE 100 Index down another 3% at a fresh six-year low.

British motor insurer Admiral today said £4.5m (€5m) of shares will be distributed to staff after the company increased profits 11% to £202.5m (€226.6m) in 2008.

The FTSE 100 Index tumbled 5% to a six-year low today after HSBC and insurance giant AIG sparked another crisis of confidence for world markets.

AFTER more than a week of apparent mystery over how a 520-tonne oil spill occurred off the south coast, the Russian navy has officially confirmed it was responsible for the potential environmental crisis, leaving open the possibility of compensation to Ireland.

The FTSE 100 Index slumped to its lowest close for almost three months today as economic fears dogged blue chip stocks.

More dire figures from the UK manufacturing sector did little to dampen the mood of investors today as the London market rallied from early losses.

Strong gains for heavyweights British Airways, Tesco and Royal Bank of Scotland capped another rollercoaster session for investors today.

A reassuring trading update from insurer Aviva and better-than-expected results by oil major BP helped settle stock market nerves today.