Forecast-beating results from Prudential and a potential deal involving Rolls-Royce shielded the FTSE 100 Index from further falls in mining stocks today.

The London market struggled to find direction today as sentiment was weighed down by fears over Ireland and caution on the outcome of the G20 summit in South Korea.

Royal Bank of Scotland slumped more than 4% today as investors reacted to fears about the bank's exposure to the financial crisis in Ireland.

Garfunkels and Frankie & Benny’s owner The Restaurant Group today said it had halted a slide in sales after a hit from the volcanic ash crisis and slower trade during the World Cup.

The London market struggled to make headway today as a poor session for mining stocks dragged on blue-chip shares.

The London market’s recovery story resumed today as the FTSE 100 Index returned above the 4900 barrier.

Strong gains for oil and banking stocks saw the FTSE 100 Index make good progress today and close at another two-month high.

The FTSE 100 Index overcame a tentative start to post further gains today.

Fears of an interest rate hike in the US failed to stop the London market from reaching a four-month high today as blue-chips were buoyed by some positive trading updates.

Positive first quarter results and the impact of high oil prices on energy firms meant the London market resumed its upward path today.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a week-long losing streak today as takeover talk in the property sector and early advances for US markets lifted blue-chip stocks.

The London market was in positive territory today as takeover rumours fuelled interest in property stocks.

Shares in Marks & Spencer fell nearly 19% today after its worst Christmas trading figures for nearly two years heralded a miserable session for the FTSE 100 Index.

Frankie & Benny's owner Restaurant Group dived in value in the UK today after it revealed a sharp slowdown in sales in the run-up to Christmas.

Further signs of gloom on the UK high street emerged today with a report showing the number of retailers reporting downbeat trading hit its highest level in two years in the last three months of 2007.

The London market failed to extend its three-day rally today after a nervous session for shares in the leisure and mining sectors.

The FTSE 100 Index fell into negative territory today as trading fears in the leisure sector put blue-chips under pressure.

Shares across the restaurant sector were hit today after Tootsies owner Clapham House Group said dampened consumer spending and higher costs will knock its performance this year and next.

The London market was on the front foot today led forward by a strong performance from Next as investors cheered first-half results.

The owner of the Garfunkel’s restaurant chain today dispelled fears that diners were spending less on eating out after serving up record results.

Worse-than-expected economic news from across the Atlantic prompted a sell-off of London shares today.

The owner of restaurants including Frankie & Benny’s and Garfunkel’s served up record results today after half-year profits lifted 40% to £9.8m (€14.3m).