The London market was kept afloat by mining giants today after the owner of Currys and PC World issued a profits warning triggering declines among retailers.

The Christmas retail reporting season created more winners and losers today as the wider market eased back from yesterday’s fresh two-and-a-half year high.

The London market closed lower today as investors feared US Federal Reserve plans to inject more cash into the economy may fall short of expectations.

Stocks were subdued on both sides of the Atlantic today as investors took profits after Monday’s big gains.

London's FTSE 100 Index fought back from hefty falls today, but oil giant BP remained deep in the red after failing again to block the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

The London market stemmed its losses today as worries over the Greek debt crisis were eased by better news from the US and healthy corporate results.

The London market hit a new 22-month high today amid decent economic news despite the growing prospect of an International Monetary Fund bail-out for Greece.

Former Bank of Ireland governor Richard Burrows is to become chairman of global tobacco giant British American Tobacco (BAT), it was announced today.

A US federal appeals court today agreed with the major elements of a 2006 landmark ruling that found the nation's top tobacco companies guilty of racketeering and fraud for deceiving the public about the dangers of smoking.

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

The FTSE 100 Index roared to its biggest-ever one-day gain today as hopes of a solution to the crisis gripping the financial system sent shares soaring.

Positive first quarter results and the impact of high oil prices on energy firms meant the London market resumed its upward path today.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a week-long losing streak today as takeover talk in the property sector and early advances for US markets lifted blue-chip stocks.

The FTSE 100 Index dropped back into negative territory after more volatile trading today as persistent US recession fears held back a London recovery.

Strong commodity prices have ensured the London market remained in positive territory as it sought to recoup losses after last week's correction.

The London market kept hold of gains from its previous session today as investors appeared determined to recoup recent falls.

London shares were back in favour today as investors began hunting down bargains after the recent stock market bloodbath.

Investors enjoyed a good session in London today as rising commodity prices boosted heavyweight stocks and the Bank of England left interest rates on hold.

Further losses for Vodafone and a disappointing performance from oil stocks took the shine off a strong session for corporate results today.

After five years of legal wrangling, America‘s largest cigarette-makers are today meeting federal lawyers in court for the trial phase of the government’s record $280bn (€229.7bn) civil racketeering suit against the tobacco industry.

Wall Street rallied late today for the second day in a row, but the pattern of trading left market-watchers doubtful that the advance would hold ahead of a key Federal Reserve meeting and the handover of power in Iraq next week.

THE Government, in its determination to introduce a ban on smoking in bars and other public places, should ensure that it cannot be accused of double standards.