The battle for steel group Corus (formerly British Steel) intensified today after Brazilian firm CSN dramatically trumped a takeover offer from Indian rival Tata.

Bid interest in British Gas owner Centrica reared up again today as investors took a punt on the possibility of a takeover move from Russia’s Gazprom.

A strong performance from oil stocks and a flurry of takeover activity buoyed the London market today which finished a steady week in the black.

The London market looked to end the week in positive territory today stoked by a strong performance from oil stocks and takeover activity in the second tier.

Associated British Ports today agreed to an improved £2.8bn (€4bn) takeover offer from Goldman Sachs.

Share prices in London made modest gains today as investors ventured back into the market following the recent turmoil.

The London market was enjoying a positive session today boosted by an announcement from Royal & Sun Alliance on its new cost savings target.

The FTSE 100 Index drifted into negative territory today following an early morning rally.

The widely anticipated bounce in London share prices finally materialised today putting back some of the billions wiped out in recent plunges.

M&S shares lost some of their sparkle today as investors took the opportunity to take profits after a strong run for the recovering blue-chip company.

Investors in mining stocks who braved the sharp fall in silver and other commodity prices yesterday were rewarded today as the FTSE 100 Index hit another five-year high.

Miners recovered their poise to power the FTSE 100 Index to another five-year high today.

Shares in the UK’s biggest ports operator surged ahead today amid speculation that it could be about to receive a £2.3bn (€3.3bn) takeover offer.

The feelgood factor was in evidence again in London today as the FTSE 100 Index edged towards a key milestone.

The FTSE 100 Index extended its recent rally today after figures from some of the UK’s biggest firms drew applause in the City.

Associated British Ports today unveiled a £44.5m (€65.7m) expansion of its Humber terminal in a bid to meet the UK’s hunger for imported coal.

The pace of corporate news is set to quicken this week with heavyweights including spirits group Diageo and Associated British Ports due to report. Results are also expected in the UK engineering, pubs and leisure sectors.

Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, Britain's number 2 port operator behind Associated British Ports has reported a small increase in underlying full year profit, in line with market expectations, and said although the economic climate remains uncertain it is well positioned to benefit from any upturn.

London shares took their cue from a positive overnight session on Wall Street to post modest gains in early trading.