The London market bounced back from Friday’s five-year low in spectacular fashion today.

The owner of fashion brands Kaliko and Ann Harvey today said like-for-like sales were down 11% after trading became “increasingly challenging”.

Shares in Bay Trading womenswear firm Alexon slumped more than 20% today as the retailer painted a grim picture of high street trading.

Clothing retailer Alexon today said profits rose to £12m (€15m) after it eliminated losses associated with its menswear division.

Marks & Spencer added to the retail blues in the UK this week after its Christmas sales disappointment, but it was not all doom and gloom in a mixed week for the sector.

UK retail giants endured another torrid day on the stock market today amid concerns over the festive trading performance of some of the high street’s biggest names.

A host of the biggest names on the British high street were under pressure today as concerns over trading in the crucial Christmas season mounted.

The London market surged through the 6500 barrier today as a better-than-expected trading update from Royal Bank of Scotland and hopes of an interest rate cut drove blue chips higher.

Soaring sales of novelty socks and other Christmas stocking favourites helped UK retailer John Lewis offer some welcome cheer in the retail sector today.

Troubled bank Northern Rock endured another rollercoaster day on the London market today on the back of further sale speculation.

A shortened trading week will see Halfords and Mothercare publish updates, while publisher Bloomsbury will look to restore confidence after its profits warning in December.

Loss-making shoe retailer Dolcis was sold today for a fraction of the price its owner paid for the business seven years ago.

Fashion retailer Alexon reported lower profits today following disappointing performances from its Dolcis footwear and Envy menswear businesses.

Losses by a string of miners sent the FTSE 100 Index sharply into reverse today.

The London market dropped below the 5700 barrier today as strong Christmas trading at Marks & Spencer failed to shield the retailer from profit taking.

Mining stocks drove the FTSE 100 Index to a new four year high today after traders had earlier breathed a sigh of relief at the passing of Hurricane Rita.

London shares surged ahead today as traders expressed relief that Hurricane Rita caused less damage than originally feared.

Troubled British department store chain Allders went into administration tonight, casting a shadow over more than 5,000 jobs.

Fashion retailer New Look eased fears of weak pre-Christmas trading on the high street today by reporting a rise of more than 8% in second-half sales.

The FTSE 100 Index slid back below the 4,000 mark today as banking and insurance stocks continued to weigh on the market.

Insurers remained under pressure today as the London market continued to fret over the implications of Britannic’s profits warning a day earlier.