The FTSE 100 Index followed global markets higher today as the latest efforts to beat the credit crunch buoyed investors.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as gloom in the banking sector and more economic woes across the Atlantic rattled investors.

Banking stocks suffered losses of more than 2% today as analysts downgraded price targets in the wake of full-year results earlier in the week.

London’s leading shares hit positive territory for the fifth session in a row today despite losing hold of strong gains earlier in the session.

Mining stocks led a rally for blue-chip stocks as the London market reversed losses seen earlier in the session.

Investors endured a miserable start to the week after the FTSE 100 Index tumbled 1% on the back of worries over the weak US dollar today.

Shares in three high-profile companies moved sharply today as investors reacted decisively to the publication of half-year results.

The London market moved forward today, buoyed by a strong performance from the miners.

Telecoms firm Cable & Wireless tonight looked set to have survived demotion from the FTSE 100 Index despite its value plunging by £500m this year.

Rentokil Initial posted a 17% slump in profits today but insisted its turnaround strategy was on track.

The firm behind London’s congestion charge scheme led the FTSE 100 Index to another four-year high today.

Rentokil Initial has announced moves to close its final salary pension scheme, which would freeze benefits for current employees, it was reported.

The FTSE 100 Index ended a choppy week in positive mood today as it broke through the 5200 barrier buoyed by a strong session on Wall Street and impressive gains by drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline.

Losses by major oil stocks weighed on investors in London today as the FTSE 100 Index fell back to the 5300 level.

Irishman Gerry Robinson today revealed his interest in tabling a takeover offer for pest control-to-hygiene group Rentokil Initial.

A string of broker upgrades helped put the FTSE 100 Index on course to set another three-year high 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 wrapped up a week of progress today by moving within touching distance of the 4500 barrier.

The FTSE 100 Index approached levels not seen since early July today as lower oil prices and a strong finish on Wall Street boosted London shares.

Engineering groups will feature heavily in the list of blue-chip companies updating the London market on their latest results this week.

Mining companies were the biggest winners on the FTSE 100 Index today, escaping a disappointing finish for blue chip shares as a whole.

Companies reporting in Britain in the week beginning February 24 include:

The FTSE 100 Index drifted towards 4100 today as weak financial stocks weighed on the London market.

The London market seems to be overcoming a poor start to trading as the City digests a raft of corporate announcements.