London’s leading shares ended the week in the red today as updates from heavyweight firms BSkyB and British Airways disappointed investors.

The London market broke back through the 5000 barrier today as high crude prices kept oil majors in the pink.

The FTSE 100 Index maintained its momentum today as a strong performance by oil stocks helped to offset losses by miners.

The London market survived a late frenzy of profit-taking to end the trading week above the 4700 mark today.

A sharp fall in the cost of oil helped lift the FTSE 100 Index to yet another 28-month high today.

Electronics and ceramics group Cookson today said its recovery remained on track despite a difficulttime at its precious metals arm.

The FTSE 100 Index is building on yesterday's much-needed gains, rising by 38.6 to 5139.3 at mid-morning.

The FTSE 100 Index has climbed 24.0 points during the first session of 2002 to reach 5241.4.

Engineering group Cookson is to cut a further 1,740 jobs as tough economic conditions hit its major markets.

The FTSE 100 Index is 53.4 points ahead at 5069.6 as investors are picking up a host of blue-chip stocks.

The Footsie index of 100 leading blue-chip stocks is up 9.4 points at mid-morning to stand at 5025.6, after recovering from heavy falls in early trading.