The FTSE 100 Index surged above the 6000 mark today as trading was boosted by further big gains for financial stocks.

Mining giants added their weight to the London market today, steering blue-chip stocks into positive territory.

The London market enjoyed a rebound today after a strong finish on Wall Street overnight helped to rebuild sentiment among investors.

The London market closed deep in the red again today as poor payroll figures in the US knocked already fragile investor confidence.

Investors were in the money in London today as upbeat results from HSBC put the FTSE 100 Index on course for a third week of gains.

Market heavyweight HSBC set the pace for banking stocks today after posting better-than-expected half-year results.

Shares in Burger King franchising group Gowrings soared 8% today after it served up a near-trebling in half-year profits from its restaurants and said the second half had started well.

News of soaring profits at banking giant HSBC sent investors piling into the stock today despite poorer fortunes for the wider London market.