Hopes of consolidation among water utilities drove the London market forwards today after Anglian Water owner AWG said it had received an approach from a potential bidder.

London’s leading shares ended their worst month for more than three years with solid gains today.

The long-running lawsuit over the sale of Fraser Morrison’s construction business to Anglian Water firm AWG was settled today.

THE owner of a construction company at the centre of a £130 million (€193m) lawsuit is said to have appointed advisers to consider the sale of the business.

A further rise in the cost of oil helped the FTSE 100 Index hold on above the key 5000 barrier today.

Sugar group Tate & Lyle led the London market lower today as traders fretted over comments about its outlook.

The FTSE 100 Index failed to move into positive territory today despite a major boost for drugmakers.

Water companies buoyed the FTSE 100 Index today after regulator Ofwat signalled price rises at the top end of industry expectations.

Hopes of a sustained rally by London shares disappeared today as concerns over the strength of the United States economy returned to haunt investors.

THE developers of an out-of-town discount retail outlet on the main route linking Dublin with Cork and Limerick have announced plans for a €15 million investment programme that will double the size of the centre.

London shares picked up the pace in late trading to end the day firmly above the key 4600 support level.

Positive momentum from across the Atlantic was holding the FTSE 100 Index above the key 4600 barrier today.

Last night’s surge on Wall Street provided the momentum to keep London shares above the key 4600 support level today.

Companies ranging from utilities to engineers and publishers get their moment in the spotlight this week.

London’s leading shares closed in positive territory today after drawing encouragement from a burst of activity on Wall Street.

London’s FTSE 100 Index remained close to its opening mark today as investors struggled to find reasons to enter the market.

THE strength of a revival in Britain’s leading shares will be tested next week by the release of key interest rate decisions and a strategic review by Cable & Wireless, the stock that has spearheaded this year’s rally.

Airports operator BAA heads another strong line-up of major UK companies reporting results this week, with a string of household names including high street chemist Boots and telecoms group Cable & Wireless.

British Airways weighed on the London market today as the group gave a cautious outlook forecast, despite posting an improvement in profits.

London shares finally kicked into life today as better-than-expected economic data in the United States rubbed off on investors.