Fears over the global economic climate troubled traders today as European markets fell further into the red.

IRISH exploration company, Ormonde Mining has applied to the mining authorities in Spain for the re-activation of the La Zarza copper mine in the south of the country.

The London market was higher today after the Bank of England held interest rates and industrial production figures revealed a bounceback in activity.

London’s main market made progress despite a tough time for the retail sector after the owner of catalogue chain Argos issued a gloomy warning over high street trading.

Blue chip stocks remained deep in the red and oil prices surged past $110 a barrel as the crisis in Libya showed no sign of easing today.

Investors enjoyed a buoyant start to the year today after the FTSE 100 Index powered beyond the 6000 barrier and BP shares jumped 5%.

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.

Banking stocks were out of favour today amid market worries over tough new capital requirements.

SOUTH American conglomerate Antofagasta has been awarded an option to take a controlling stake in the La Zarza copper, gold and zinc mine in southern Spain which is controlled by Irish company Ormonde Mining; after the two reached a joint venture exploration agreement.

Mining company Ormonde has signed an agreement with Antofagasta Minerals on an exploration joint venture on Ormonde’s La Zarza ground holdings in the Huelva Province of southern Spain.

The FTSE 100 Index extended Monday’s gains today as higher commodity prices caused mining stocks to dominate the blue-chip risers board.

The FTSE 100 Index closed at its highest level since early January today as investors were cheered by a raft of results from corporate heavyweights.

The London market edged off the starting block today amid fragile investor sentiment on the economy.

The FTSE 100 Index edged closer to the 4500 barrier today as stocks were spurred on by overnight advances on hopes of a global economic recovery.

London’s FTSE 100 Index soared to gains of almost 5% today as investors returned to beleaguered financial stocks.

Banking giant Barclays saw shares surge ahead on better-than-expected annual profits today, but it was a mixed session for the wider market.

A further banking sell off today dragged the London market to its seventh consecutive day in the red.

The London market pulled out of its nosedive today after a reversal in fortunes for beleaguered mining stocks.

The six-day rally on the FTSE 100 Index was brought to an abrupt end today as falling commodity stocks put pressure on miners and oil majors.

The FTSE 100 Index hung on to early gains today despite more gloomy data on the UK economy.

London’s leading share index remained in the red today despite a late session boost from Wall Street.

The London market sank into the red today as falling oil prices overshadowed advances from caterer Compass and platinum specialist Johnson Matthey.

An upbeat opening on Wall Street helped drag London’s leading stocks into positive territory today.

The prospect of an economic recession left UK blue chips nursing hefty losses today as stock markets tumbled across the world.

Airline stocks were under pressure in London today after warnings of losses from budget carrier Ryanair.

The FTSE 100 Index slipped more than 1% today in a fifth straight session of losses for London’s leading shares.

Commercial broadcaster ITV led declines on the London market today amid fears over advertising revenues in another turbulent day for blue chip stocks.

The London market remained in positive territory today as takeover rumours cheered trading.

The FTSE 100 Index was on the back foot today as the US Federal Reserve’s overnight decision on interest rates put pressure on global markets.

A shares rebound from embattled mortgage specialist Alliance & Leicester helped the London market bank a second day of gains today.

London's leading shares retreated today as nerves over record oil prices overshadowed trading.

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

The FTSE 100 Index slid 4.1% today during another session of turmoil for world markets.

The London market advanced today as blue-chips benefited from broker upgrades and stronger trading in New York.

Takeover speculation surrounding mining giant Rio Tinto helped keep the London market out of the red today.

The prospect of consolidation in the banking sector and good news from fashion retailer Next helped the London market close up a comfortable 61.2 points today.

Heavy selling of financial shares saw the London market head towards the 6,000 level today as stocks plummeted around the world.

Fashion chain Next topped the list of blue-chip risers after benefiting from a series of broker upgrades today.

Copper prices tumbled below $6,000 a tonne today, sending shares in the mining sector down as much as 5%.

Strong gains by the mining sector and British Airways pushed the FTSE 100 Index through the 6200 mark today.

A surge by mining stocks today left the FTSE 100 Index within touching distance of a return to last month’s six-year high.

Shares in catering firm Compass continued to boost the London market today as heavyweight miners also added to the positive sentiment.

The London market sank into the red today after the United Nations said Iran had failed to suspend its nuclear fuel programme before the deadline.