Calling an end to the commodity boom is problematic because the definition of what constitutes the boom depends on who you are.

Australia’s resources minister has declared the end of the country’s mining boom, after the world’s biggest miner BHP Billiton shelved two expansion plans worth $40bn (€31.7bn).

Hurricane Fly will face a maximum of five rivals in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown after Dunguib was ruled out of Sunday’s Grade One feature with a minor blood disorder.

The London market bounced back from earlier losses today triggered by concerns surrounding the sovereign debt crisis in Ireland.

The London market struggled to find direction today as sentiment was weighed down by ongoing fears of a bail out for Ireland’s troubled economy.

LEOPARDSTOWN Racecourse yesterday announced a new five-year deal which will see the 100% Irish owned BHP Insurances Ltd company sponsor the Irish Champion Hurdle until 2015.

Better-than-expected quarterly results from Wall Street giant Citigroup gave the London market a boost today as banking stocks rose higher.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm today despite pressure on mining stocks caused by a rebound for the beleaguered US dollar.

Takeover activity helped lift the London market higher today after blue-chip Old Mutual said it had entered into exclusive talks with HSBC to sell South African bank Nedbank.

Blue-chip Old Mutual led the FTSE 100 Index higher today as miners also lent support on hopes that Australia’s election result will scupper a new super tax.

The FTSE 100 Index was dragged lower by commodity stocks today as results from blue-chip miner Eurasian Natural Resources fuelled fears over the recovery.

The FTSE 100 Index relapsed into the red today as it gave back Tuesday's gains on persistent fears over the Greek debt crisis.

The FTSE 100 Index shed almost 1% today after weaker metal prices caused a slump for shares in mining companies.

The London market clawed back lost ground today as major news in the mining sector from Rio Tinto spurred on stocks.

Charities were today warned to put their books in order for a new law being passed by the Government.

The FTSE 100 Index struggled to extend Monday’s record-breaking rise today as a major mining deal brought the bounce back to a halt.

The collapse of a major mining takeover brought the London market back to earth today after the record gain of the previous session.

The world’s biggest mining firm, BHP Billiton, today said China’s voracious appetite for raw materials had helped fuel a seventh successive year of record profits.

The FTSE 100 Index returned above the 5500 mark today as heavyweight players in the oil and mining sector powered advances on the London market.

Takeover talk in the mining and telecoms sectors provided a boost for London’s leading share index today.

Mining giant BHP Billiton formally launched a hostile bid for rival Rio Tinto today in a deal worth around $147.4bn (€100.7bn).

Soaring mining stocks took the FTSE 100 Index back above the 6,000 mark today as London’s shares gained more than 2%.

Spectacular gains for mining companies ensured London’s FTSE 100 Index started the new month on the front foot today.

A stock market bloodbath saw the FTSE 100 Index nosedive by 5.5% today as fears of a US recession sparked a global sell-off.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged more than 3% today as investors fretted about a possible recession in the US.

Hopes of further takeover moves among the world’s major miners were fuelled today after Xstrata confirmed consolidation talks with rivals.

London’s blue chips made little headway today despite strong overnight gains in the US.

The FTSE 100 Index lost more than 1% today despite the emergence of a potential saviour for troubled mortgage lender Northern Rock.

Beleaguered mortgage lender Northern Rock’s shares soared nearly 30% on the FTSE today after a Virgin-led team was unveiled as the preferred choice to rescue the firm.

Investors returned to banking stocks today as the London market ended a three-day losing streak.

Barclays shares dived 9% today during another rollercoaster session for investors.

News of a possible multi-billion pound bid for mining giant Rio Tinto helped offset steep early session losses on the London market today.

Strong mining stocks and a confident start to trading in New York helped the FTSE 100 Index close almost 2% higher today.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm above the 6100 barrier today as mining stocks provided some stability from the recent turmoil.

The world’s biggest mining group BHP Billiton today posted its fourth set of record annual profits in a row, despite facing a squeeze from higher industry costs.

The London market started the week on the front foot today as investor confidence returned after recent wobbles over Chinese stocks and global interest rates.

The UK benchmark index enjoyed a late rally today after benefiting from a strong surge in mining company shares.

Advances from British Airways and BHP Billiton failed to keep the London market in positive territory today.

Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and other celebrities gathered in the US yesterday to protest against plans for a natural gas facility 14 miles off the California coast.

The FTSE 100 Index closed above the 6000 threshold for the first time since May today buoyed by record levels in the US.

Actor Pierce Brosnan and other celebrities protested against plans to build a liquefied natural gas terminal off the Southern California coast.

The FTSE 100 Index struggled for direction today despite strong gains from online casino PartyGaming.

Investors piled into gambling stocks today amid hopes that threats to make internet gambling illegal for US citizens would come to nothing.

The London market started the month on a positive note today as stocks in mining and oil companies helped it close above the 6000 threshold.