The FTSE 100 Index closed up sharply today trumping earlier fears of another downbeat session.

Drugs giants GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca weighed on the London market today in an otherwise subdued start to the week in the City.

Blue-chip shares nudged ahead today in an otherwise subdued session across the London market.

The FTSE 100 Index continued to ease today despite a reassuring update from blue-chip software firm Sage.