London shares had a volatile session today, but managed to close ahead as retail stocks made gains.

The prospect of a downbeat start on Wall Street subdued trading across the London market today.

London shares eased today despite hopes of modest gains on Wall Street later this afternoon.

Mobile phone giant Vodafone charged to its highest close for nearly six months today after half-year results beat expectations.

The London market plunged to its lowest close for eight weeks today as gloomy sentiment around the world hit home.

The London market suffered another day of turmoil today, sliding a further 2% as the sell-off continued.

The Footsie has closed just above the 5,000 barrier, after falling 22.9 points.

The Footsie index of 100 leading stocks is up 45.2 points at mid-morning to stand at 5077.9, having pulled back from an earlier 35-point fall.