The political row over Labour Party loans hit the stock market today after one of the businessmen involved quit as the boss of Capita.

Strong results from some of Europe’s heavyweight companes ensured the FTSE 100 Index surged back to a four-and-a-half-year high today.

The London market struggled to get going today despite renewed speculation that Cadbury Schweppes was being eyed up for a possible takeover bid.

Investors speculating on a takeover of Standard Chartered sent shares in the bank to a record high and helped London's FTSE 100 Index to rack up fresh gains today.

The London market dropped below the 5700 barrier today as strong Christmas trading at Marks & Spencer failed to shield the retailer from profit taking.

Potential blows to the profits of the UK’s heavyweight companies kept investors away from the London market today.

Bid speculation surrounding British Gas owner Centrica failed to prevent the London market from continuing on its downward path today.

Rentokil Initial led the FTSE 100 Index to a positive finish today after news of a possible takeover offer sent its shares surging.

The FTSE 100 Index fell into the red today as record profits by BP and hopes of an interest rate cut failed to excite investors.

Fresh retail misery gave investors an excuse to bank profits today, leaving the London market in the red for the second session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index continued its rally of recent days to hover close to the 4,900 barrier today.

The FTSE 100 Index moved closer to its lowest point this year after a profits warning from B&Q owner Kingfisher further unnerved the retail sector today.

Banks and betting firms dragged the London market into the red today as traders failed to warm to the latest batch of corporate news.

The London market was deep in negative territory today as investors reacted poorly to the latest round of corporate results.

A fall in the cost of oil to its lowest level in three months left the FTSE 100 Index on course for a positive end to the week today.

Profit takers pounced on blue-chip stocks today as a downbeat opening on Wall Street sparked a late sell-off on this side of the Atlantic.

The FTSE 100 Index approached levels not seen since early July today as lower oil prices and a strong finish on Wall Street boosted London shares.

A late surge by blue-chip shares helped the FTSE 100 Index close the session in positive territory today.

The London market finished on a rare high note today after an upbeat start on Wall Street boosted trading.

London shares plunged today after tech stocks took a battering.