Blue chip banks made strong gains today as news that Bank of America will repay its $45bn (€30bn) US bailout cash outweighed reports of the sector’s heavy exposure to Dubai.

Stocks rebounded out of the red today on hopes that the worst of the recession may be over on both sides of the Atlantic.

The rally on the London market hit a new five-and-a-half-year high today as the FTSE 100 Index closed up for the eighth session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index edged back into positive territory today despite weaker-than-expected official sales figures putting pressure on retailers.

Grim annual figures from British Airways plunged the stock into the red today as the airline's woes overshadowed more stable trading elsewhere.

A grim set of annual figures from British Airways sent the stock nose-diving into the red today and overshadowed more stable trading elsewhere.

Further gloomy economic news from the US sent the FTSE 100 Index into negative territory today amid signs the word's biggest economy is far from recovery.

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

The FTSE 100 Index fought back from lows below the 4000 barrier today in the wake of figures confirming the official start of the UK recession.

The FTSE 100 Index dived below the 4,000 barrier today after grim economic figures heightened fears of a deep and prolonged recession.

The London market slipped back into the red today as optimism over bank bail-outs gave way to recession fears.

Travel companies including Thomas Cook and British Airways were flying high today as oil prices dived to a four-month low.

Heavy profit taking in the mining sector, combined with weaker oil stocks, saw the London market end the week deep in the red today.

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

One of the most volatile weeks in the London market’s recent history ended today with the FTSE 100 Index barely changed on its starting point.

UK pubs company Marston’s reported slower sales today as the Pedigree brewer became the latest chain to paint a gloomy picture on festive trading.

Materials technology firm Johnson Matthey led the London market higher today as bid rumours swirled around the blue-chip stock.

The FTSE 100 Index soared above the 6400 barrier today as the market notched its biggest weekly gain since before the summer's credit crunch.

Further gains for the embattled banking sector helped keep the London market in positive territory today.

UK pub and brewing firm Marston’s today reported a 3% dip in annual profits, but said “robust” sales were driving results in the new financial year.

The London market forged upwards today after further gains for banking stocks offset losses in the mining sector.

UK pubs and brewing group Marston’s today warned that a £2m (€3m) repair bill for 150 flooded pubs would hit profits.

Pubs and brewing group Marston’s today boosted its premium ale offering after buying Hampshire brewer Ringwood for £19.2m (€28.3m).

The London market edged into positive territory today as takeover speculation gave blue-chips a late lift.

Property firms were out of favour with investors today as economic concerns continued to impact the London market.

UK pub and brewing group Marston’s today toasted a rise in sales after its increased focus on food attracted more families to its estate.

Pub and brewery group Marston’s said today its investment plans should help it overcome the impact of the UK-wide smoking ban later in the year.

Property companies helped lift the London market today, with real estate investment trust Hammerson setting the pace after takeover speculation.

Retail stocks soared today after three buy-out groups confirmed their interest in an offer for supermarket chain Sainsbury’s.

The London market ran out of steam today as British Airways and the operator of the UK’s biggest coal-fired power station both sustained heavy losses.

The FTSE 100 Index remained at a six-year high after Vodafone joined a clutch of property firms at the top of the Footsie risers board.

Wolverhampton & Dudley is celebrating its successful defence of a £485m hostile bid from pubs group Pubmaster.