Iconic oven maker Aga Foodservice said heavy promotional work and new product lines helped it overcome a “mixed” 2006 to post a pre-tax profits rise of 8% to £46m (€67m).

The promise of a windfall for shareholders caused shares in industrial conglomerate Smiths to jump by more than 13% today.

High street clothes store Next leapt to the top of the FTSE 100 Index leaderboard today as the London market ended the week on the front foot.

The London market ended the week on the front foot after a broker upgrade for insurer Prudential offset a slide among mining stocks today.

Stove maker Aga Foodservice said today it banked record profits as more of its classic cookers were snapped up by customers from abroad.

The London market finished the week in lacklustre mood today after a fall for insurers Aviva and Prudential offset strong gains from Corus.

The prospect of a major push into the United States by Norwich Union owner Aviva drew a negative response from traders in London today.

Investors speculating on a takeover of Standard Chartered sent shares in the bank to a record high and helped London's FTSE 100 Index to rack up fresh gains today.

Excitement over possible corporate developments at Standard Chartered and Anglo American gave impetus to the FTSE 100 Index today.

WATERFORD STANLEY managing director Michael Laffan is set for a major windfall from the sale of the company.

Worse-than-expected economic news from across the Atlantic prompted a sell-off of London shares today.

London’s leading shares failed to make headway today despite takeover talk boosting the fortunes of the building materials sector.

Kitchen equipment group Aga Foodservice today said a drive to promote its products as gifts contributed to a rise of more than 20% in festive sales.

Strong gains for the FTSE 100 Index were eroded late in the session today as investors talked down the chances of a takeover of Sainsbury’s.

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s led a surge by the London market today as investors acted on renewed takeover speculation.

The FTSE 100 Index was heading towards its eighth consecutive session of losses today after sliding below the key 4400 barrier.

London’s benchmark FTSE 100 Index shrugged off gloomy US economic data today to finish an otherwise subdued session for trading in positive mood.

Kitchen equipment group Aga Foodservice said today it was well positioned for 2003 despite market uncertainty, after posting a 9% rise in pre-tax profits.