London’s leading shares index struggled to make progress today after weaker-than-expected retail sales in the US overshadowed an upbeat bond auction in debt-laden Italy.

Vodafone is mulling a potential takeover bid for struggling telecoms firm Cable & Wireless Worldwide, the mobile phone giant confirmed today.

London’s blue chip index slumped to a three-month low today after being dogged by fresh fears that Greece would default on its debts.

Traders shrugged off sovereign debt woes and sustained violence in Libya as reassuring results from Next and B&Q owner Kingfisher boosted the retail sector.

The FTSE 100 Index remained in positive territory for the seventh straight session today, but stocks trod water as US markets remained shut for the Labor Day holiday.

Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group is set to lose its blue-chip status when the latest quarterly review of the FTSE 100 Index takes place next week.

Global stock markets soared higher today as investors took heart from positive signs for the global economy.

The FTSE 100 Index pushed nearly 2% higher today as shares were buoyed by healthy economic signs from the Eurozone.

The FTSE 100 rose more than 1% today as markets were cheered by strong US corporate results and a major acquisition at home.

Markets on both sides of the Atlantic were in negative territory today after disappointing figures from Goldman Sachs and computer hardware giant IBM.

Shares in Cable & Wireless Worldwide tumbled today after the telecoms group warned British government spending cuts would hurt full-year earnings growth.

The FTSE 100 Index edged lower in an sluggish session today despite rumours over funding plans from beleaguered oil giant BP sparking some interest.

The FTSE 100 Index staged a much-needed rally today as European markets reversed some of their recent punishing declines.

Markets rallied on both sides of the Atlantic today as equities fought back from recent punishing declines.

Broadcaster BSkyB was centre of attention on the London market today after a better-than-feared verdict from regulator Ofcom over the amount it can charge rivals for premium sports.

London’s blue chip share index pushed into positive territory today after the Bank of England held steady on its monetary policy and financial firms climbed.

The FTSE 100 Index made steady progress today as investors shrugged off a poor session in Tokyo and persistent worries over Europe’s debt burden.