Markets on both sides of the Atlantic were slightly lower today as fresh concerns about the European banking system cooled the September rally.

Blue chip banks roared higher today on news that Basel 3 regulatory reforms were set to be watered down.

The run of good news for British banking stocks continued today after the sector appeared to win a favourable settlement on bank capital standards.

Imperial Leather and Carex maker PZ Cussons said revenue and profits continued to grow in the UK, despite high levels of promotional activity in supermarkets.

The FTSE 100 Index reclaimed the 5000 mark today as brighter economic data cheered investors after Friday’s sell-off.

Soap-maker PZ Cussons today said profits were higher after a strong trading performance from products including Imperial Leather and Carex.

PZ CUSSONS, Glanbia’s joint venture partner in Nigeria under the Nutricima name, says the business will be in profit in its current half-year which ends in May 2009.

A potential merger between British Airways and Spanish airline Iberia cheered British investors today despite wider gloom over the banking sector.

Imperial Leather soap maker PZ Cussons branched out today with the £75m (€100.9m) purchase of London's Sanctuary Spa business.

Imperial Leather soap maker PZ Cussons today said it was on track to deliver full-year results in line with expectations.

Banking and property stocks weighed heavy on the London market today as fears over the US high-risk mortgage market persisted.

The maker of Imperial Leather underlined its commitment to the UK today by announcing plans for a £26m (€38m) manufacturing and innovation centre.

Imperial Leather and Carex soapmaker PZ Cussons today said the launch of new soap brands in the UK helped boost sales in the first six months of the year.

Shares in catering firm Compass continued to boost the London market today as heavyweight miners also added to the positive sentiment.

Imperial Leather and Carex soap maker PZ Cussons said today it was planning a new £15m (€22m) factory to make shower and bath gels.

Soap maker PZ Cussons today said a rebranding of its shampoo-to-shaving gel label Original Source had helped boost its UK performance in a competitive market.

Oil giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell pushed the London market higher today after oil prices rose to a record high.

Glanbia is focusing development on consumer foods, food ingredients and nutrutional food business, the company's AGM was told today.

Imperial Leather soap maker PZ Cussons today said it was closing a soap factory with the loss of 160 jobs.

Imperial Leather soap maker PZ Cussons today promised “considerable effort” to ensure managers make their mark in toughening trading conditions.

FOOD giant Glanbia is to build a $20 million plant in Nigeria in a joint venture with another international group, PZ Cussons.