A successful Spanish bond auction and strong German economic data eased fears over the eurozone crisis and drove world markets higher today.

World markets suffered heavy declines today amid fresh fears over Japan's ongoing nuclear crisis and a lacklustre start to the US earnings season.

National Express said it was back on track after a recovery plan led by new chief executive Dean Finch sparked a 38% jump in annual profits today.

The FTSE 100 Index edged past the 6000 mark for the first time since June 2008 today in a last minute push before the market closed.

British transport group National Express offered some cheer for its rail business today as it announced a two-year extension on its London to Tilbury and Southend franchise.

Mining firms led the FTSE 100 Index lower by midday today as the takeover buzz in the sector fizzled out in London and metal prices dipped.

Three former UK cabinet ministers have been suspended by the Labour Party over allegations they were prepared to use their position to influence government policy for cash.

Concerns over the fragility of the US economic recovery sent stocks tumbling on both sides of the Atlantic today.

The FTSE 100 Index was on the front foot today as events in the United States gave a fillip to investors after a disappointing recent run.

Halifax figures revealing a sixth successive month of rising property prices saw housebuilders leap ahead today as the Bank of England’s move to keep interest rates at a record low also helped the sector.

London’s blue chip share index soared almost 2% today amid encouraging news on the US housing market and a new record for gold prices.

Persistent fears over the US economy sparked a sell-off on world stock markets today as yesterday’s cheer over the end of America’s recession proved short-lived.

The London market was in subdued mood today despite cheer elsewhere over the US pulling out of recession.

The London market gained more than 1% today as investors hailed the end of recession in the United States.

The economic storm clouds lifted for the London market today after figures signalled the end of recession in the United States.

London’s FTSE 100 Index was under more pressure today as recovery doubts put pressure on blue-chip stocks.

World markets were under pressure today as uncertainty about Chinese economic prospects led investors to take profits following a recent rally.

The FTSE 100 Index pushed to a fresh 13-month high today as investors were cheered by strong results from a raft of US companies.

Mining and property firms helped the FTSE 100 Index to rally by more than 1% today as the London market’s recent strong run showed no signs of ending.

The FTSE 100 Index dipped into negative territory today after poor earnings from US groups General Electric and Bank of America knocked investor confidence.

A consortium led by the biggest shareholder in the UK's National Express today said it had withdrawn its £765m (€837m) offer for the struggling transport group.

Embattled transport group National Express saw shares race ahead today after news of a higher £765m (€875m) takeover approach from its biggest shareholder.

British investors were given a jolt today after new research showed signs of a stalling in the recovery of the manufacturing sector.

The FTSE 100 Index dipped into the red today despite economic cheer in America.

Encouraging results from mining heavyweight Kazakhmys ensured the London market made progress in thin pre-holiday trading today.

The London market extended its winning streak to an eleventh day today after a late climb into the black.

The London market was making little headway today as top-flight stocks sought a record-equalling eleventh winning session in a row.

The London market capped its tenth consecutive day of gains today after investors pushed ahead with the strongest rally for the market in more than five years.

The FTSE 100 Index entered the second half of the year with a more than 2% rise today as positive world manufacturing data helped boost hopes of economic recovery.

Disappointing economic readings in the US sent London's FTSE 100 Index into the red today after a poor final session of the second quarter.

A takeover move from FirstGroup for rival National Express sent transport shares higher on the London market today.

A surprise fundraising by Sainsbury’s in order to quicken the pace of its expansion caused shares in the supermarket to go into reverse today.

The FTSE 100 Index edged lower today as traders paused for breath after Thursday’s G20 euphoria.

The FTSE 100 Index shed more than 2% today as markets reacted with initial disappointment to US economic rescue plans.

Early optimism surrounding America’s hefty interest rate cut faded fast today as stock market attentions turned to the mounting economic gloom.

The London market remained stuck in first gear today, despite strong gains on Wall Street last night after US interest rates were cut to near zero.

Shares in transport firms were plunged into reverse today after blue-chip firm Stagecoach warned `

Stagecoach shares went into reverse today after the transport company warned of downward pressure on profits in its rail division.

Almost £49bn (€61.4bn) was wiped off the value of blue-chip shares today as fears mounted about the scale of the recession facing the UK and world economies.

A dramatic slide for share prices worldwide today killed off any hopes that markets could be on the mend after the recent banking crisis.

Oil prices reached a new record high today as the London market ended a volatile session in positive territory.

British transport group National Express today said it was "confident" of combating rocketing fuel bills with pricing promotions and cost savings.

Rail, bus and coach operator National Express today matched its rivals by reporting a strong start to the year.

The London market shrugged off disappointing UK growth figures to post steady gains today.