Heavyweight miners dragged the FTSE 100 Index lower today despite another bright session for many top-flight retailers.

The maker of Fox’s biscuits and Goodfella’s pizza today suffered a shares slump after it revealed a weakening in sales growth over the summer.

Britain’s biggest nightclub operator said today that cash-strapped clubbers were going out less as they face up to “one of the most difficult years in recent times”.

Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Rose faces the prospect of a humiliating shareholder rebellion at the firm’s annual meeting today.

Associated British Foods today said Kingsmill firm Allied Bakeries and clothing retailer Primark continued to make progress.

The maker of electronic chips for Apple iPod music players and TomTom car navigation systems today said it expected solid growth this year despite “uncertain” conditions.

Primark continued its run of success on the high street today after its owner reported “better-than-expected” Christmas sales for the chain.

British life insurer Friends Provident could be put up for sale after a wholesale review of the business, it was reported today.

Rentokil Initial today warned profits were likely to be £10m (€13.88m) short after weaker consumer spending impacted its City Link delivery arm.

The UK’s biggest construction firm, Balfour Beatty, was today looking forward to forecast-beating profits after strong trading across the group.

Northern Rock's share price fell by around 20% today as analysts said current shareholders could lose out if Virgin's plans to pump cash into the group and rebrand the business went ahead.

Crisis-hit Northern Rock's shares hit a new record low today on the 10th anniversary of its stock market flotation.

UK housebuilders came under pressure today after downbeat comments from Bovis Homes spooked investors.

Supermarket giant Tesco today underlined its dominance of the UK’s retail landscape after ringing up record profits of £2.55 billion.

Retailers held the London market back today after the collapse of a potential bid for Woolworths and news of flat sales at Argos.

Disappointment at the collapse of a proposed bid for Woolworths reflected the mood of the rest of the London market today.

Slowing sales are expected to hit Sainsbury's second-quarter sales next Wednesday.