The FTSE 100 Index pushed higher after strong corporate news today and better than expected economic data from the US.

VT Group continued to resist takeover interest today after rival Babcock International upped its offer for the services firm to more than £1.2bn (€1.4bn).

More dire figures on the state of the UK's public finances today failed to derail the FTSE 100 Index's winning run despite a subdued day of trading.

Buyers deserted the London market today on fears that its recent rally had run out of steam and nervousness over the future path of US interest rates.

The London market slipped into the red today despite bid activity surrounding broadcaster ITV and a number of mid-cap stocks.

The appointment of a new chief executive at Compass continued to please investors today as the FTSE 100 Index stayed above the 6,000 threshold.

The London market was dragged lower by mobile giant Vodafone today as a downbeat trading statement knocked a tenth off its value.

Companies reporting results next week include: