London shares started off in lacklustre form today as traders refused to commit their cash ahead of key unemployment data in the United States.

London shares returned from the holiday weekend in lacklustre form today despite gains by tobacco stocks.

Imperial Tobacco shares rose 2% today after the cigarette maker won a landmark case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

The FTSE 100 Index failed to move far from its opening mark today despite a boost from across the Atlantic and a string of positive corporate updates.

The London market suffered a late sell-off today after the United States said its trade deficit had ballooned to a record $61bn (€47.4bn) in February.

The FTSE 100 Index overcame a slow day for corporate news and losses by mining stocks to creep into positive territory today.

The FTSE 100 Index weakened towards the end of the session today as poorer-than-expected job figures in the United States cast a cloud over markets.

The London market looked on track for a positive end to the week today after shrugging off last night's heavy losses in New York.

The London market held steady today despite news that inflation was at its highest level for more than a year.

UK-based hand dryers-to-office pot plants group PHS posted a 20.6% rise in annual profits today after a major acquisitions spree boosted business.

With the Easter holidays looming, some of the London market’s smaller companies will take their turn in the spotlight this week.

London’s leading shares lost hold of early gains today as traders awaited the Bank of England’s latest interest rates announcement.

London’s leading shares made steady progress in early trading today after an overnight surge on Wall Street took US shares above a key level.

The FTSE 100 Index has climbed 24.0 points during the first session of 2002 to reach 5241.4.