Hopes for a hefty 1% cut in interest rates kept the FTSE 100 Index in positive territory ahead of the monthly decision from the Bank of England today.

The FTSE 100 Index closed at its lowest level for more than three years today after another traumatic session for UK blue chips.

The FTSE 100 Index was near to a three-year low today after weaker banking shares pushed the top flight down another 1.8%.

Losses for consumer-facing firms failed to stop the London market making strong gains today as oil and metal stocks traded higher.

Much-needed gains for retailers Marks & Spencer and Next failed to halt a London market slide today as weaker mining stocks weighed on trading.

Michael Page International today said it had rejected rival Adecco’s attempts to buy the company with a deal valuing the business at £1.3bn (€1.64bn).

Sharply lower oil prices helped the London market break a three-day losing streak today as the blue chip share index rallied 2.5%.

Blue-chip stocks were cheered by softer oil prices today as the London market gained more than 1%.

A plan by seven leading investment banks to set up a Europe-wide share-trading platform put pressure on shares in the London Stock Exchange today.

Takeover talk involving two high-profile stocks kept investors from fretting today over the prospect of higher interest rates in the United States.

The London market ended the week on a flat note today after Wall Street closed in a mark of respect to former US President Ronald Reagan.

London’s blue-chip shares maintained their upward path today as the FTSE 100 Index set another record close for 2003.

Michael Page International has provided investors with some cheer despite continued weakness in the banking and accountancy sectors.

The London market's bullish mood has showed no signs of easing as the FTSE managed further modest gains in early trading.

Companies reporting in Britain in the week beginning February 24 include: