The London market today lost some of its recent gains, as weakness in the oil and gas sector dragged the blue-chip stock index down.

Vodafone shares were trading higher today after the UK-based mobile phone group won the battle for control of India’s Hutchison Essar.

A strong gain at steel group Corus could not save the FTSE 100 Index from falling into negative territory during a lacklustre session for the London market today.

BRITISH stocks fell to a four-week low, led by BP as oil prices declined for a third day and Bear, Stearns & Co cut its recommendation on the energy company’s shares.

Mobile phone giant Vodafone is facing a new rival in its attempt to win the race to buy India’s fourth largest mobile operator, it was reported today.

The London market headed towards the Christmas break in lacklustre mood today following a downbeat finish on Wall Street and a spate of profit taking in Asia.

Vodafone confirmed today it is considering an approach for India’s fourth largest mobile phone operator.

Shares in Vodafone slipped more than 2% today following a report the firm was mulling a multi-billion pound bid for India's fourth largest mobile phone operator.