Strong gains for oil and banking stocks saw the FTSE 100 Index make good progress today and close at another two-month high.

Investors dived for cover today after bleak jobs data in the United States deepened recession fears in the world’s biggest economy.

British paving stone maker Marshalls today posted a rise in annual profits after price increases helped to offset the impact of higher raw material costs.

A raft of companies in the UK will have their products’ carbon footprints measured as part of a drive to cut emissions.

Hackers have stolen the bank card details of millions of Irish, British and American shoppers in what is thought to be the world’s biggest ever credit card heist.

High street clothes store Next leapt to the top of the FTSE 100 Index leaderboard today as the London market ended the week on the front foot.

The London market ended the week on the front foot after a broker upgrade for insurer Prudential offset a slide among mining stocks today.

The London market finished the week in lacklustre mood today after a fall for insurers Aviva and Prudential offset strong gains from Corus.

The prospect of a major push into the United States by Norwich Union owner Aviva drew a negative response from traders in London today.

The London market’s strong start to the year stalled today as a lack of corporate data left it without direction.

A big week for the retail sector began positively today as healthy Christmas sales at camera specialist Jessops sparked investor interest in the owner of Dixons.

Worse-than-expected economic news from across the Atlantic prompted a sell-off of London shares today.

Derbyshire-based confectioner Thorntons has named Chris Burnett, 62, as executive chairman with effect from 26 April, when John Thornton will retire as executive chairman.

More signs of the improving business climate – better-than-expected holiday sales and Nokia’s latest fourth-quarter outlook – sent stocks moderately higher today.

London’s benchmark FTSE 100 Index opened the new quarter with a powerful showing today, fighting back against the gloom which has dragged down markets on both sides of the Atlantic.

The FTSE 100 Index is up 27.7 points at 5346.5 at mid-morning.