The FTSE 100 Index pushed higher after strong corporate news today and better than expected economic data from the US.

The chief executive of US giant Kraft will sound out major shareholders in London this week over its potential takeover of Dairy Milk maker Cadbury.

British insurer Legal & General sent shares falling across the sector today after revealing a £351m (€414m) hit to investments and another dividend payout cut.

The rally on London’s FTSE 100 Index ground to an abrupt halt today as investors rushed to secure profits amid more gloomy news on banks after their recent bull run.

London’s blue chip share index struggled for direction today as financials and miners lost ground after yesterday’s rally.

Insurers were back in the red today after Legal & General slashed its dividend for the first time in the group's history and posted plunging profits.

Insurance giant Legal & General said today around 10% of its life and pensions workforce would go this year after it reported a £1.5bn (€1.6bn) annual loss.

Shares in insurer Legal & General jumped by 20% today as financial stocks staged a much-needed rally.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a five-day losing streak today, but banks proved a rare bright spot amid subdued trading in London.

The London market sunk into the red today as Lloyds Banking Group suffered further misery in the wake of its shock HBOS profits warning.

Lloyds Banking Group was under the spotlight again today as the FTSE 100 Index remained firmly in the red.

A shock profit warning from Lloyds Banking Group for its HBOS arm sent the stock plummeting today and dragged the banking sector deep into the red once more.

Investors turned against financial stocks again today as the sector pulled the FTSE 100 Index down more than 2%.

Volatile financial stocks led the FTSE 100 Index 2% lower today as sentiment on banks switched once again.

The London market overcame recession fears to finish in positive territory today after a late session boost from Wall Street.

The London market overcame recession fears to finish in positive territory today after a late session boost from Wall Street.

Insurers made strong advances on the London market today as blue chip stocks regained their poise in a less volatile session.

Shares in Halifax Bank of Scotland closed 21% higher on London's FTSE index tonight amid hopes a rescue takeover by Lloyds TSB will go ahead as planned.

Halifax Bank of Scotland’s shares surged ahead today amid a revival in confidence over its rescue takeover by Lloyds TSB.

Marks & Spencer’s attempts to win over critics of its controversial move to promote chief executive Stuart Rose were dealt a blow today.

Insurer Legal & General was today set to boost its share of the DIY pensions market after offering £62m (€79.4m) for Ipswich-based Suffolk Life.

New business sales at UK insurer Legal & General slipped today amid a weakening housing market and a fall in corporate annuity sales.

Insurance group Legal & General unveiled a major deal last week when it bought the life assurance and unit trust business of Nationwide, a move worth about £285m (€427.5m).

The owner of household products group Jeyes – maker of Wet Ones wipes and Bloo toilet cleaner – was today said to be eyeing a possible sale worth £150m (€219m).

London’s leading shares ended the week in the red today as updates from heavyweight firms BSkyB and British Airways disappointed investors.

The FTSE 100 Index kicked on this morning despite a negative response in the market to results from British Airways and BSkyB.

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

London's City watchdog is to overhaul the way it investigates companies accused of breaching financial rules, it was revealed today.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged more than 160 points today as the City reacted to the string of explosions in the capital.

British insurer Legal & General was today celebrating after having a £1.1m (€1.6m) fine for mis-selling endowment mortgages slashed almost in half.

Insurance giant Legal & General was today named Britain’s best employer for retaining a good pension scheme, keeping call centre jobs in the UK and involving staff in business decisions.

The FTSE 100 Index finished the week on a downbeat note today as London shares failed to make the most of a better mood on Wall Street.

London's FTSE 100 Index retreated today following the previous session's confident progress as the market ended the week on a subdued note.

Banking and insurance stocks will be at the forefront of minds on the London market next week as a clutch of leading companies issue annual results.