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.

There was further stock market pain for retailers today after Marks & Spencer sent a chill through the sector with warnings over the trading outlook.

Marks & Spencer received a cold blast from the City today after the company’s first sales growth in two years was overshadowed by worries over trading prospects.

The London market edged further above the 6300 mark today as it built on strong gains yesterday despite a slow start to the session.

The London market struggled to make further progress today, despite strong gains for Prudential and a number of retail stocks.

Tobacco stocks jumped today following a favourable European Court ruling on import taxes.

Share prices in London made modest gains today as investors ventured back into the market following the recent turmoil.

The London market was enjoying a positive session today boosted by an announcement from Royal & Sun Alliance on its new cost savings target.

Insurers helped propel the London market higher today after a financier confirmed he was looking at bidding for Royal & Sun Alliance.

The FTSE 100 Index was holding its own today despite financial services group Britannic delivering another blow to the insurance sector.

Rises from heavyweight oil and telecom stocks helped the London market make a strong start to the week today.