Investors shrugged off fresh economic gloom today as the FTSE 100 Index built on yesterday’s 6% surge with further gains.

Travel companies including Thomas Cook and British Airways were flying high today as oil prices dived to a four-month low.

Housebuilders and retail stocks were higher today amid hopes that British government measures to stimulate the property market will revive consumer demand.

Plant hire group Ashtead today said major projects such as Crossrail and the Olympics underpinned its confidence in trading prospects in the UK.

Plant hire group Ashtead today agreed to buy a major US competitor for $1bn (£550m/€804.81m).

Takeover talk involving two high-profile stocks kept investors from fretting today over the prospect of higher interest rates in the United States.

A bid approach for Exel and positive results from drinks giant Diageo helped the FTSE 100 Index post strong gains for a third session in a row today.

The London market broke back through the 5000 barrier today as high crude prices kept oil majors in the pink.

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

Plant hire group Ashtead today hailed a return to underlying profits after it reaped the benefits of a life-saving financial overhaul.

McCormick MacNaughton has bought 15 equipment rental centres from plant hire firm Ashtead in a deal worth €17.5m.

London shares bounced back from yesterday’s slump with gains across a range of sectors today.

London shares continued to drift lower today as investors’ eyes turned towards George Bush’s attempts to revive confidence in the US.