Investors showed some Christmas cheer today as the FTSE 100 Index gained more than 1%.

Investors endured another rollercoaster session today after the FTSE 100 Index came within 40 points of falling below the 6,000 barrier.

Investors received a shot in the arm today after the FTSE 100 Index followed the lead of US markets to rise by more than 100 points.

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.