The FTSE 100 Index made a late session rally today as fears eased over the US Federal Reserve's unexpected overnight rate hike for emergency bank loans.

Hotel and leisure stocks helped buoy the London market today after a multi-billion pound takeover deal in the industry drew investors to the sector.

The FTSE 100 Index failed to move into positive territory today despite a major boost for drugmakers.

Downward pressure from computer giant Hewlett-Packard and soaring oil prices failed to have a major impact on the London market today.