The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point but left its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged even as policymakers projected a short-term acceleration in US economic growth.

The British government has said that it was incorrect to infer that its ‘Help-to-Buy’ scheme, aimed at boosting home ownership, would be cancelled after a review of the programme.

The UK’s vote to leave the EU will have a negative impact on prices and turnover in the UK housing market, with foreign investors set to benefit most from bargains among sterling-priced assets, a Reuters poll has found.

Britain’s top share index climbed to its highest level in nearly a year yesterday, led higher by miners, and with ITV soaring after a well-received trading update.

London’s top-flight index fell just short of breaking through the 6,700 mark for the first time in 11 months after shares in ARM Holdings soared following its takeover approach from Japan’s SoftBank.

The London market was dragged into the red after a gloomy economic update from Britain’s construction industry dealt a punishing blow to housebuilders.

More than £50 billion (€61.5bn) has been wiped off the value of the UK’s biggest companies after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The FTSE 100 Index was in positive territory today after the latest opinion poll on the Scottish referendum showed a lead for the No campaign.

The FTSE 100 Index ended a nine-day winning streak that had propelled it to a five-month high as investors sought to lock in profits.

Mining stocks suffered heavy losses today as fears over the impact of an imminent US government shutdown loomed over markets.

Fears of an early end to monetary stimulus in the United States kept investors on edge today following big losses in yesterday’s session.

British housebuilders received a Budget boost today after Chancellor George Osborne delivered a raft of measures to help Britons get on the housing ladder.

The rebound for London shares continued today after China’s first cut in interest rates in four years triggered a surge for mining shares.

World markets struggled to make progress today after another meeting on the eurozone debt crisis failed to ease traders' nerves.

The London market made nervous gains today as hopes that the US would announce more stimulus measures were countered by more weak economic data.

Aggreko led the FTSE 100 Index further above the 6000 level today after it was lifted by a deal to supply power to the firm that ran the crippled Fukushima power plant.

A steadier performance for oil prices and a doubling in annual profits at the world's biggest silver miner boosted confidence in London today.

Mining stocks held the FTSE 100 Index above the 6000 barrier today as copper prices hit a record high.

Takeover talk buoyed medical devices firm Smith & Nephew today, but the wider market remained in the red as Wall Street opened with sharp losses.

Medical devices firm Smith & Nephew soared to the top of the FTSE 100 Index today after reports of a takeover approach from US rival Johnson & Johnson.

A strong show from banking stocks offset disappointing trading updates and led the London market higher today.

The London market headed for highs not seen since mid-November today after a strong morning session was bolstered by President Barack Obama's plans to extend tax breaks in the US.

Supermarket Tesco rung up share gains today as the wider FTSE 100 Index also powered ahead thanks to commodity stock advances.

The FTSE 100 Index plunged by nearly 2% today as Irish bailout fears and Korean military tensions rattled investors’ confidence.

The London market bounced back from earlier losses today triggered by concerns surrounding the sovereign debt crisis in Ireland.

The London market struggled to find direction today as sentiment was weighed down by ongoing fears of a bail out for Ireland’s troubled economy.

Dismal housing data from the US fuelled fears of a slowdown in global economic recovery today, rattling investor confidence and triggering a slump in stock markets.

The FTSE 100 Index roared almost 3% ahead today as investors looking for bargains in the mining sector pushed the market higher.

A rally among heavyweight commodity stocks provided some welcome respite for the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index soared more than 2% higher.

The FTSE 100 Index maintained its positive start to the week today, despite a fresh blow to BP after ratings agency Fitch slashed its debt to near-junk status amid fears over the impact of the Gulf of Mexico spill.

A late rally rescued a lacklustre session for investors today as financial markets gave a lukewarm response to the new coalition government.

The FTSE 100 Index suffered an uncertain session today as traders digested mixed messages on the economic recovery.

The FTSE 100 Index was mired in the red by noon today amid mixed economic figures and a tough session for commodity stocks.

The London market suffered more losses today as Greece’s debt turmoil and disappointment over earnings from mobile phone handset giant Nokia hit stocks worldwide.

Greece’s debt turmoil and disappointment over earnings from mobile phone handset giant Nokia triggered a slump for world markets today.

The London market dived below the 5700 mark today as economic fears resurfaced on news that the Greek budget deficit was bigger than expected.

Chancellor Alistair Darling’s pre-election Budget did little for the London market today despite slightly better news on the public finances.

The FTSE 100 Index powered to gains of more than 1% today despite investors dumping shares in Prudential for the second session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm in positive territory today, but it was a tough session for blue chip insurers Prudential and Admiral.

A rebound among blue chip banks failed to lift the FTSE 100 Index today as stocks fell in the wake of a shock plunge in US home sales.

Blue-chip banks were on a firmer footing today as immediate fears over America’s plans for radical banking reforms began to ease.

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.

The UK retail sector’s new-year hangover continued today despite a positive festive trading performance from supermarket chain Sainsbury’s.