Computer maker, Hewlett-Packard has dealt the world's number one software maker a significant blow.

THE London market struggled for direction yesterday as a volatile week drew to a close with the FTSE 100 Index at its highest level for more than a month.

Blue-chip stocks have soared as positive sentiment flowed through the London Stock Exchange.

Traders have got what they wanted from the Bank of England, although the quarter point interest rate cut did little to move the market.

The Footsie index of 100 leading shares has plunged 84.8 points as a series of warnings from technology groups in North America led to a sell-off in the sector. The index now stands at 6113.1.