THOMAS COOK was said to be eyeing up the £500 million (€740m) package holiday arm of First Choice Holidays.

Investors endured a miserable start to the week after the FTSE 100 Index tumbled 1% on the back of worries over the weak US dollar today.

European markets resumed their decline today as investors again fretted about the weakness of the US dollar.

First Choice Holidays today said it was in discussions with a number of suitors over the sale of its package holidays business.

The FTSE 100 Index closed above the 6200 mark today for the first time since February 2001.

Tour operator First Choice Holidays today admitted bird flu scares in the eastern Mediterranean coupled with recent airport security alerts would impact on full-year profits.

Up to three people were killed and dozens injured in a blast at a Turkish resort today.

City traders celebrated a new milestone today when the FTSE 250 Index broke through the 10,000 barrier on a day when blue-chip stocks were also in hot demand.

The owner of Thomson holidays and Britannia Airways saw UK customer numbers rise almost 15% during a solid start to the year, figures showed today.

FORTY-FIVE Irish ski tourists feared they would freeze to death trapped on a bus in snow blizzards for more than 16 hours as temperatures dipped to -5 degrees centigrade.

British insurers and holiday firms were today counting the cost of the tsunami that brought death and devastation to Asia.

Fears that Vodafone could be dragged into another high-profile bid battle and higher inflation conspired to send the London market into the red today.

The FTSE 100 index slid into negative territory today after shares in the market’s biggest stock fell by more than 4%.

Tour operator First Choice Holidays today announced record profits and said a shake-up of its business was bearing fruit.

London shares picked up the pace in late trading to end the day firmly above the key 4600 support level.

Positive momentum from across the Atlantic was holding the FTSE 100 Index above the key 4600 barrier today.

Tour operator First Choice Holidays approached its peak season in upbeat mood today after unveiling reduced losses for its quieter winter period.

New Manchester United chief executive David Gill is determined to dispel the impression that his appointment as Peter Kenyon’s successor was a rush decision.

Air 2000 pilots have agreed to a pay cut to save jobs.