Hopes for further economy-boosting measures from the US Federal Reserve mounted today, sending the London market higher.

The FTSE 100 Index made headway by noon today despite broker downgrades for blue-chip heavyweights BP, Prudential, Marks & Spencer and BT.

BP kept the FTSE 100 Index in positive territory today after shares jumped 7% on takeover and deal speculation involving the beleaguered oil major.

BP shares were hit by another major sell-off today despite wider gains for the FTSE 100 Index.

BP overshadowed a decent start to the week for world markets as renewed dividend fears caused a fresh fall for the oil giant’s shares.

The FTSE 100 Index crept into positive territory today during another choppy session dominated by worries over the scale of Europe’s debt crisis.

There was little sign of an end to stock market turbulence today as eurozone concerns continued to weigh on blue-chip shares.

AIB plans to issue a sterling upper tier II bond in the near future, the banks managing the sale said on Tuesday.